It is with great sadness that Medway Council has today announced the passing of James Williams, Director of Public Health, following a short illness.
One of the leading local government public health experts, James was in particular recognised as a leading light in Kent and Medway’s response to COVID-19.
James joined Medway Council in 2017 and in the past seven years transformed the council’s approach to public health delivery. His ambition was to improve resilience in the Medway community through many important initiatives and under his leadership the council’s Public Health team has supported tens of thousands of residents to improve their health and wellbeing through its multi-award-winning A Better Medway programmes. His ambition and compassion were evident not just in the outcomes he drove in the community but in the way he led his team.
James will be particularly remembered for his leadership for the council, and indeed across Kent, in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His knowledge, expertise, drive and direction ensured that the council and partners were able to keep the people of Medway safe and his work helped to save many lives. He was instrumental in bringing the south east’s first COVID testing centres to Medway in the winter of 2020 offering targeted community testing for those without symptoms.
Not only did James lead the drive for improved health in Medway, he was also a major player in addressing regional health inequalities across the south east and was one of the key leaders in the recent work to transform the health systems in Kent and Medway.
James’ passion and drive were as much part of his life outside work as they were in it. He was highly regarded and involved at the top levels of fencing in Britain, representing our country in three Olympic Games. After retiring from the sport he continued developing and coaching young talent and was the official commentator and presenter for fencing at the London 2012 Olympic Games. He was passionate about the benefits sport and recreation can bring to improve the lives of communities and address inequalities. James started fencing whilst in HM Forces Army where he served for more than 10 years before moving into public health.
James always strived to champion the underdog and claimed that he would always take the opportunity to make sure that people, from whatever background, creed, colour or religion, get the chance to achieve their potential whether that was in the health or sporting space.
Reflecting on the positive impact James had, Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Public Health, said: “James was very much an Olympian in all senses of the word. His passion for focussing on building resilience within communities and his focus on intervention at an early stage to prevent the development of poor health has meant that the people of Medway are leading better, healthier lives as a result of his hard work. James’ leadership of Medway’s response to COVID-19 was extraordinary and exemplary, orchestrating many local initiatives to help protect lives and he was a trusted local and national voice helping people to stay safe throughout the pandemic. We are also very proud of the role James played in shaping the transformation of the NHS services within Kent and Medway and in the wider public health agenda across the south east region. James will be incredibly missed.”
Commenting on the sad news, Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council, said: “James was an inspirational leader and leaves an impressive legacy and we are determined that we will continue the important work that James has put in place during his time at the council. We will miss James enormously as a person – his positivity and wonderful sense of humour. He took an interest in everyone he met and inspired us all to be better people. Our thoughts are with James’ family at this sad time.”
Speaking for all the staff at Medway Council, Chief Executive, Richard Hicks, said: “Unfailingly positive, James was highly regarded and held in deep affection by all those who knew him and worked with him. He will be greatly missed but leaves a legacy that we can all be proud of. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Cedi Frederick, Chair of the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board, said: "James was a charismatic individual who brought an infectious passion and drive to any project he was a part of. His work with the integrated care board and wider system was central in improving the health and care outcomes of the people of Medway. I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with James on many occasions - his knowledge, ability to challenge and be challenged made him a fantastic leader who was able to deliver real change and success through his work.
"I, and all my colleagues across the health and care system in Kent and Medway, would like to offer our condolences to James’ family, our thoughts are with you during this time. James will be missed by all.”
Dr Rachael Hornigold, Consultant in Health Protection and Deputy Regional Lead for UKHSA South East, said: “Staff at UKHSA were deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the death of James Williams. James was a true public health leader, whose work in Medway, as well as across the wider South East region was extremely impactful on the health of its residents. His collaborative approach with UKHSA was second to none, and his kind and gentle nature made him a friend of everyone who had the opportunity to work with him. Our thoughts are with James’ family, friends and work colleagues.”
Kent County Council’s Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: "It is with profound shock and sadness that we are all coming to terms with the passing of James Williams. James was a towering leader, an incredible Director of Public Health, a beloved colleague and a dear friend to me. This is such a terrible loss to Medway Council and the Kent and Medway Public Health system of which he was such an integral and important part. I will always remember him for his larger-than-life presence, his humour, and above all his humanity and kindness. My thoughts are prayers are with his family and I send my deepest condolences to them at this incredibly sad time.”