James Toolan

James Toolan currently serves as Principal Private Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs since October 2023. Prior to this role, James was Deputy Director for Northern Ireland Trade & Investment at the Department for Business and Trade from May 2021 to October 2023, and Deputy Principal Private Secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions from April 2019 to May 2021. Experience also includes a position as Senior Policy Adviser for International Education at the Department for Education from April 2018 to April 2019, and multiple roles at the Cabinet Office from April 2013 to April 2018, including Senior Policy Adviser and Policy Adviser in various capacities. Academic qualifications include a Master of Public Administration focused on Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science, completed in June 2022, and a Master's degree in International Relations and Spanish from the University of St Andrews, earned in 2012. Early education was completed at Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School.