James Upton is a qualified Social Worker and a member of the international body Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). He worked in the drugs and alcohol field for 10 years focusing on adult treatment, children in care, young offenders and as a manager in the NHS working with children and young people in treatment. Until 2016 he worked as a practicing Social Worker and Safeguarding trainer with a key focus on children, young people and their families. James has also lectured at University on Health and Social Care. James is now a Freelance trainer working for a range of organisations including the NSPCC, Alcohol Change UK and In-Trac. He also provides a portfolio of private training in Motivational Interviewing and Safeguarding.
Training has formed a key part of James’s portfolio over the last 24 years in his work across 5 different local authorities. Since 1999 he has delivered Safeguarding training and Motivational Interviewing training to early Years, Schools and Colleges, Alcohol and Drugs workers (children and adults), Youth Workers, Teachers, Social Workers, Multi-Agency staff involved in safeguarding and Youth Offending Team staff.
At the heart of his approach to training and consultancy is his compassionate approach and the belief that a collaborative approach to working with people to affect change in their lives works best.
