James Sykes
Leeds,West Yorkshire
Summary
Analytical professional with extensive experience across NHS England, NHS Digital and criminal justice services. Skilled in SQL, Python, Tableau, Power BI and large-scale health data analysis. Strong track record in developing national datasets, building dashboards, producing statistical publications, and presenting complex methodologies to expert panels. Known for clear communication, rigorous quality assurance, and delivering high-value analytical products.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work history
Analytical Officer
NHS England
2024.01 - 2026.01
- Developed and maintained national datasets within the Urgent & Emergency Care team.
- Built Tableau dashboards for Continuing Health Care and Virtual Wards, transforming underused demographic data into clear insights for NHS Trusts.
- Strengthened technical capability by learning Python alongside SQL, using both to interrogate large datasets and build analytical code in Databricks and SQL Server Management Studio.
- Worked collaboratively with stakeholders to refine visualisations and ensure outputs met user needs.
Higher Information Analyst
NHS Digital
2013.01 - 2024.01
- Delivered analysis across Mental Health, Hospital Episode Statistics and Stop Smoking Services teams.
- Created dashboards for public use in Power BI and Tableau, including an interactive UK map showing regional data quality.
- Produced statistical publications using techniques such as confidence intervals, standard deviation and population-based rates.
- Developed strong SQL expertise, writing dataset-specific code aligned to Technical Output Specifications.
- Tested and developed new health indicators within the Specification Development Service, presenting methodological proposals to expert panels.
Senior Data & Quality Assurance Analyst
CRI
2012.01 - 2013.01
- Managed all data and performance reporting for a fully integrated service.
- Conducted audits and produced reports to support service improvement.
- Identified issues proactively, communicated findings, and made evidence-based recommendations.
- Trained staff on new reporting procedures and supported adoption of improved data systems.
Data Analyst (Camden DIP & Camden Alcohol Service)
CRI
2011.01 - 2012.01
- Led data reporting and analysis for two services, submitting statutory returns to the National Treatment Agency.
- Created and maintained service-specific databases and ensured robust data collection processes.
- Manipulated complex client-level data and presented findings to internal and external agencies.
- Supported case workers with data responsibilities and resolved data-related issues.
IOM Administrator
CRI
2009.01 - 2011.01
- Created and maintained databases and Excel workbooks to support Integrated Offender Management reporting.
- Developed new data procedures for CRI projects, improving consistency and efficiency.
- Liaised with partner agencies including Probation, ASBU, Youth Offending Teams and West Yorkshire Police.
- Prepared and minuted case conferences, ensuring accurate information flow.
Education
BA (Hons) - English Literature
Lancaster University
A-Levels - Psychology, English Literature, English Language, Mathematics
NEW College Pontefract
Pontefract, Wakefield /2002 - /2004
Skills
- SQL (advanced), Python, Databricks, SSMS
- Tableau, Power BI, Excel (advanced), VBA
- NHS datasets: UEC, CHC, Virtual Wards, Mental Health, HES, Stop Smoking Services
- Indicator development, methodology design, statistical analysis
- Dashboard development for national/public audiences
- Data quality, auditing, governance, QA
- Stakeholder engagement, presenting to expert panels
- Database design, reporting processes
Affiliations
- Literature
- Tabletop Wargames
Technical Summary
- Languages: SQL, Python
- Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Databricks, SSMS, Excel (advanced), VBA
- Methods: Indicator development, statistical analysis, QA, data modelling
Timeline
Analytical Officer
NHS England
2024.01 - 2026.01
Higher Information Analyst
NHS Digital
2013.01 - 2024.01
Senior Data & Quality Assurance Analyst
CRI
2012.01 - 2013.01
Data Analyst (Camden DIP & Camden Alcohol Service)
CRI
2011.01 - 2012.01
IOM Administrator
CRI
2009.01 - 2011.01
A-Levels - Psychology, English Literature, English Language, Mathematics
NEW College Pontefract
/2002 - /2004
BA (Hons) - English Literature
Lancaster University