Elaine James MBE

Journey to Bradford  

"I chose to come to study at the University of Bradford because my family has a deep and longstanding connection with both the University and the city. One of my relatives graduated from the Bradford Institute of Technology before it became the University of Bradford, and another has worked at the University for over twenty years.

"I've worked in Bradford since 2017, so when the opportunity arose to study at the University, it felt like a natural choice. It's where my family, and those close to me, would choose to study. 

"Shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, I was offered a place at the University, and around the same time, my grandfather sadly passed away and left me a gift in his will. I wanted to use that money in a way he would have been proud of, by investing in myself and my professional development. I'm now a proud Bradford graduate."

Learning, leading and listening

"My career journey has been long and challenging, but I believe those experiences have shaped me, strengthened my skills, and helped me become a better social worker. They also prepared me for the right time to return to education and study the Master’s programme at the University of Bradford. My career path has included roles in youth justice and the prison service, as well as working within the voluntary sector and charitable organisations. I’ve had the privilege of working with BBC Children in Need, Mind, and the Royal National Institute of Blind People. I’ve also worked in local government and various community-based organisations. Since 2017, I’ve been a proud employee of Bradford City Council."

"I currently hold two Master’s degrees, the first in Leadership and Management. However, the one I’m most proud of, which stands out as a true career highlight, was completing the Master’s in Social Work at the University of Bradford, which I achieved with distinction. This programme instilled in me a strong sense of professional accountability to the people we serve, and that value was deeply rooted in the teaching at Bradford.

"In my current role, social work begins and ends with recognising that children with disabilities and their families love each other unconditionally. This belief is at the heart of the social work philosophy at the University of Bradford. Throughout my career, I’ve learnt that truly listening to children and their families is the most important part of the work, and when we do that, we rarely go wrong. I’m proud to say that, at Bradford District Council, we have a 100% record of child protection. This is because we stand in solidarity with families, valuing them as the true experts in their own lives. That ethos, one of respect, collaboration, and compassion, is central to social work in Bradford, and it was a key lesson I took from my time at the University."

 

Proud moments

"One of the career highlights and things I'm most proud of, was the opportunity to take social work students from the University of Bradford to Westminster, where they supported six young people with disabilities to speak in the Houses of Parliament. These young people addressed Members of Parliament about the importance of their voices being heard, particularly in relation to Article 29: the right to democratic participation and support in education. This formed part of the 'Promote the Vote' campaign, which has been developed and championed by user-led organisations in Bradford.

"It was an extraordinary experience. Witnessing the passion and commitment of the students, and seeing them grasp the significance of their role in advocating for others, was deeply moving. Their contribution made a real difference, and that moment remains a standout achievement in my career.

"I’ve also been fortunate that the work we’re doing at Bradford District Council has attracted both national and international interest. Bradford, the birthplace of the Women’s Suffrage Movement continues to lead the way in promoting democratic inclusion. Our efforts to ensure that individuals with disabilities are empowered to have their voices heard and their votes count, both locally and beyond, truly matter.

I was deeply honoured to be named Social Justice Advocate of the Year at the National Social Work Awards in 2023. Then in 2025, I was humbled to be recognised in His Majesty King Charles III’s New Year Honours List for services to Social Care."

Social work from the inside: my advice 

"Anyone entering the social work profession today, particularly those who wish to challenge inequality and drive social change, should fully embrace all aspects of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF). By its nature, social work within local government in England is an 'insider' profession. Statutory social work involves working within systems and structures to bring about change from the inside, and Domain 8 of the PCF provides a framework for doing this safely and effectively as you begin your career and find your voice as a change-maker.

"But it's important to ask: whose change are you advocating for? When Lord Justice Munby chaired the Family Court, he delivered a series of landmark judgements and speeches that echoed a consistent message, that social workers are servants, not masters. Truly understanding whose voice you're amplifying, and whose argument you're advancing, is central to effective practice. It creates an essential check and balance, grounded in professional education and critical reflection, both in action and on action, and lies at the heart of outstanding social work.

"This is why, for me, the 'Promote the Vote' campaign in Bradford is so powerful. It wasn’t initiated by us, the social workers at Bradford District Council, and it isn’t about us. It began with people with disabilities in Bradford who wanted to be supported to exercise their right to vote and to be active citizens, to have a meaningful say in who holds power and makes decisions. That is the essence of excellent social work, and it is at the very heart of what social work in Bradford stands for."