Letters from leaders: James Hawkins – from engineering student to NHS innovator

Welcome to the “Letters from Leaders” series, where we spotlight inspiring Heriot-Watt alumni who are leading change, driving innovation, and shaping the future across industries. These blog posts go beyond traditional profiles, offering a behind-the-scenes look at alumni journeys, challenges, and advice for the next generation of leaders.

In this edition, we explore the career of James Hawkins, Chief Digital and Information Officer at York and Scarborough NHS Foundation, as he reflects on his time at Heriot-Watt, his career milestones, and his vision for the future.

Early Life

James followed a traditional educational path, excelling in school and university before earning his Master’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. During his time at university, he was sponsored by British Gas Scotland, which provided him with summer work placements. These experiences were invaluable, allowing him to gain practical skills directly related to his course and future career.

The excellent reputation of Heriot-Watt University for Engineering drew James to the institution, outshining other offers he received. He enjoyed his time there so much that he chose to stay on to complete his Master’s degree. He particularly valued the practical experience offered by Heriot-Watt, which he felt was more extensive than that provided by other universities.

Time at Heriot-Watt

The broad understanding of technology and its practical applications, both in electrical and digital domains, that James gained at Heriot-Watt has served as a strong foundation throughout his career. He emphasizes the benefits of Heriot-Watt’s focus on hands-on experience, noting that working in labs and conducting experiments were key learning opportunities, especially in an engineering discipline.

Despite being a global university, Heriot-Watt offered a close-knit learning environment. The relatively small class sizes meant that James felt well-supported throughout his degree. The course's inclusion of subjects such as business also provided him with a more comprehensive understanding of the working world.

James not only thrived academically but also thoroughly enjoyed the social aspects of university life. He fondly recalls the many cheese and wine parties with his fellow engineering students, as well as participating in golf competitions with other universities. The friendships he formed through these extracurricular activities made his university experience all the more memorable and have led to long-lasting relationships.

Career Advancements

After completing time with British Gas, James joined Deloitte, where he played a key role in the programme delivery of the London Congestion Charging Scheme. This project involved creating the entire system infrastructure, including cameras, communications, and signage, a significant and highly successful endeavour.

James then moved to the National Programme within the NHS, a major initiative aimed at upgrading IT systems across NHS England. He has remained with the NHS since, taking on increasingly important roles.

More recently, James has been heavily involved in the COVID-19 vaccination and testing services, as well as in the development of the NHS Test and Trace app. These projects had extremely tight deadlines but were completed rapidly, largely due to the high level of motivation among those involved and the support from industry partners. James believes this collaboration highlights the immense potential for future partnerships.

Skills and Innovation

In his current role, James recognises the importance of the skills he gained at Heriot-Watt and looks for these qualities in new graduates. Practical experience with data and basic coding skills are almost essential in today’s rapidly evolving world. Heriot-Watt’s offering of courses that provide these foundational skills across a wide range of subjects ensures that its graduates are well-prepared for their professional careers.

When recruiting, James particularly values candidates who have made the most of their university experience. He looks for individuals who have engaged in activities beyond academia, contributed to the broader university community, or gained work experience outside the university. The transferable skills gained from these experiences are highly valued, and Heriot-Watt’s extensive array of clubs and societies, along with frequent social events, provide ample opportunities for students to develop these skills.

Advice for Students

James offers the following advice for current students:

• Be Curious: James encourages students to experiment, take risks, and learn from their experiences. He advises, "Take as much as you can from every experience. Everything happens for a reason, and you should learn from both the ups and downs." He stresses that not everything will be perfect, and setbacks should be seen as learning opportunities. Always ask questions and remain both interesting and interested.
• Keep a Diary: James suggests keeping a diary to reflect on your experiences in both your work and personal life. This practice can help you learn and provide a record of your achievements, which can be useful to show others as well as to remind yourself of your progress.
• Industry Collaboration: James recommends seeking out and embracing opportunities to work within businesses during your studies. Combining practical experience with academic learning is the best way to become more employable and to stand out from other candidates. He advises students to take advantage of the connections Heriot-Watt offers and to use the support available.

James Hawkins' journey from a curious student to a leading figure in the NHS illustrates the power of combining technical expertise with practical experience. His story serves as a compelling example of how Heriot-Watt University equips its graduates with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Written by Amelie Marr