This month we’re celebrating the 4-year anniversary of our Lead Business Analyst, Jim! In his time at Answer, Jim has been at the heart of some of our most complex and impactful NHS projects.

His journey to get here has been anything but ordinary, taking him from army barracks to DJ booths and classrooms in China. We sat down with him to chat about his proudest moments, his life in two bands, and the "rewarding manic energy" of his work.

Happy 4th anniversary, Jim! How would you describe your job in three words?

Rewarding, manic, energy.

You’ve been on quite the journey since starting in 2021. What has your time at Answer been like?

I genuinely can't believe it's been four years. I started in 2021 working on NHS projects and I'm still working on NHS projects. Met lots of lovely people.

What’s one career milestone here that you’re most proud of?

Designing and implementing the first integration between the NHS and Home Office that meant that people with settled status (like my wife) had continued access to free healthcare after Brexit.

You work on the enormous Genomics programme. What’s the best thing about your team?

They are never dismayed by the enormity of the task in front of them and they are incredibly sensitive to the shared occasional frayed ends of sanity that are laid bare from time to time. They also enjoy a good laugh.

Your career path has been fascinating. What’s the most unusual job you’ve had?

I've had lots of weird and wonderful jobs. I've worked for the Army shouting at recruits, photocopied murder records for the Home Office, taught English in China... I've been an average writer, a terrible DJ, and refunded PPI. Somehow now I'm in a team trusted to rearchitect Genomics for the NHS.

That's quite a list! So what’s the fun fact that usually surprises people?

I'm in two bands. I play folky music in Kirkstall Almanac with Christina (we just released an EP this year) and I play loud shouty psychedelic rock music with Private Empire.

How do you spend your spare time when you're not in one of your bands?

Anything musical - playing with friends, writing, recording. Also, walking in the countryside.

If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be?

There would be nothing cooler than going into space, so an astronaut.

And what's your biggest goal for the rest of 2025?

Work on bad habits.

A huge congratulations to Jim on his 4-year anniversary! Thank you for the incredible work, the great music recommendations, and for bringing your unique energy to the team.