James Booker
About James Booker
James Booker serves as the Head of Portfolio Delivery & Change at The Scouts since 2022, bringing extensive experience in strategic planning and portfolio management from his previous roles at Versus Arthritis and Nottinghamshire County Council.
Current Role at The Scouts
James Booker serves as the Head of Portfolio Delivery & Change at The Scouts, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the delivery of various projects and managing change initiatives within the organization. His focus is on enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring that the portfolio aligns with the strategic objectives of The Scouts.
Previous Experience at Versus Arthritis
Prior to his current role, James Booker worked at Versus Arthritis for a total of four years, where he held several key positions. He was the Head of Strategic Planning & Portfolio from 2020 to 2022, and before that, he served as Portfolio Manager and Transformation Portfolio Manager. His tenure at Versus Arthritis involved managing various programs aimed at improving services and outcomes for individuals affected by arthritis.
Educational Background
James Booker completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Politics and International Relations at The University of Sheffield from 2008 to 2011. He furthered his education by obtaining a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) in Communities, Engagement and Enterprise from the University of Brighton from 2012 to 2013. This educational background has provided him with a strong foundation in understanding social dynamics and community engagement.
Professional Qualifications and Skills
James Booker is a qualified Prince2 and Lean+ Practitioner, with additional training in Continuous Improvement. He possesses expertise in participatory methodology for delivering and evaluating programs. His skills in change management, portfolio management, and business development are complemented by his experience in organizational planning methods and approaches across various sectors.
Career Progression and Early Roles
James Booker's career began with roles at Nottinghamshire County Council, where he worked as a Management Trainee, Programme Officer, and Project Manager from 2014 to 2017. He also gained experience at Sheffield City Council and South Yorkshire Housing Association. His early career laid the groundwork for his subsequent roles in strategic planning and portfolio management.