James is chief veterinary officer and head of companion animals at the RSPCA.

His interests include dog, cat, rabbit and horse welfare, veterinary ethics and the engagement of companion animal guardians in animal welfare issues.

James qualified with a Bachelors of Veterinary Science in 2004, and has a Bachelors in bioethics, a certificate and diploma in animal welfare science, ethics and law and a PhD in veterinary ethics. In 2011 James was made a de facto Diplomate of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine. He has worked as a vet in a RSPCA branch and two private practices.

James is currently Honorary Lecturer at the University of Bristol and Chair of the BVA Ethics and Welfare Group. He is also on the Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law Veterinary Association Committee and the BSAVA Scientific Committee. James edits the AWSELVA Journal of Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law and is writing a book for the UFAW animal welfare series on Achieving Animal Welfare in Veterinary Practice.

Published work includes papers on treatment choices, quality-of-life assessment, euthanasia, animal welfare values, positive animal welfare, stem cells, overtreatment and medical authority and responsibility.