Meet our Director: James Farr
Think is a consultancy firm specialising in tailored, data-driven change that empowers organisations to drive real change. Working with business leaders, we get under the skin of our client’s organisation to identify where changes can be made to ensure training and development are aligned with its mission and KPIs.
Our Director, James Farr, is a Cambridge University graduate with over 20 years of experience developing and analysing strategies, policies and existing processes to develop and implement new approaches that result in effective management for enhanced efficiency.
James is an experienced adviser in the field of skills, education and employment, specialising in supporting organisations to develop and drive strategies in the changing policy and funding environment. James specialises in supporting clients to develop and budget for strategies that underpin major developments and transformational projects – understanding the ‘why’ to create the ‘what’.
Prior to forming THINK, James was Director for skills and employment at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership. James led Greater Manchester’s skills devolution work with DfE and the ESFA. Over the past eight years, he has worked with a wide range of employers, FE colleges, training providers and HEIs supporting policy formulation, curriculum reviews, sector skills partnerships and labour market analysis.
With significant experience in strategic roles for businesses and within public services, James founded Think alongside three other directors in 2015. He specialises in managing a broad portfolio of projects that help other businesses grow through workforce development programmes.
With accountability for Think’s broad consultancy services, James works closely with colleges, universities apprenticeship providers, local authorities and charitable trusts. Through research and collaboration, he collaborates with C-suite leaders responsible for strategic direction to pinpoint the data and information to help them effectively plan and implement change.
Think’s approach is designed to upskill staff, promote self-development and introduce a coaching culture while ensuring workforce development is in line with the organisation’s strategic objectives. Think approaches each new project with a view to developing staff in the most cost-effective way by maximising the benefits of organisational development. Through consultation with senior staff, we gain a full picture of where your organisation is right now and where you want it to be.
Do not miss James on this week’s PIE Chat Live on Thursday, 4th May. James, along with host Nick Golding will be discussing the current topic of employability in relation to international students.
