James Hardy
NVQ Level 3, BSc (Hons), PGDip, PGCLTHE, MRes Psychology, FHEA

Biography

James David Hardy is a registered mental health nurse who graduated from the University of Southampton in 2009 with a first-class honours degree in Mental Health Nursing.

Prior to entering academia, James gained extensive clinical experience across mental health services, working both as a registered mental health nurse and, following additional specialist training, as a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist. His clinical career provided opportunities to develop expertise in patient care, supervision, staff development, and therapeutic interventions.

Throughout his professional practice, James developed a strong interest in education, mentoring, and workforce development. He held a range of roles supporting the learning and development of students and early-career practitioners, including practice assessor, clinical supervisor, course facilitator, and mentor. These experiences fostered a passion for teaching and inspired his transition into higher education.

In 2018, James joined Southampton Solent University as a psychotherapist within the mental health and wellbeing team, contributing to the development and delivery of student support services. During this time, he flourished in the dynamic university environment and became increasingly involved in supporting the institution's wider educational and student experience initiatives.

James was appointed lecturer in January 2021 and has since worked across a variety of nursing and health-related programmes, including Adult Nursing, Nursing Associate and Assistant Practitioner programmes, Health Play Specialism, and Mental Health Nursing. He currently serves as a senior lecturer in mental health nursing. Alongside his teaching responsibilities, James has undertaken a number of leadership roles, including level lead, module lead, and apprenticeship lead.

A committed advocate for student wellbeing and inclusion, James maintains a strong pastoral focus and actively promotes mental health awareness, neurodiversity, and positive student experiences. He also supports the development of colleagues through his role as a mentor and supervisor for new staff members.

James contributes to curriculum design, module development, and the creation of innovative teaching and learning resources. He delivers lectures, seminars, and skills-based learning activities across a range of modules, supporting students to develop both academic and professional competencies. He is actively involved in assessment and examination processes and works collaboratively with academic colleagues on course validation, accreditation, and quality assurance activities.

Reflective practice is central to James's approach to teaching. He values feedback from students, peers, and module evaluations as an essential tool for continuous improvement and enhancement of the student learning experience. He is committed to providing timely, constructive, and meaningful feedback that supports student achievement and professional growth.

James is registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and is a member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).

James is passionate about preparing the next generation of mental health nurses to deliver compassionate, evidence-informed, and person-centred care. Drawing on his experience as both a clinician and educator, he remains committed to fostering inclusive learning environments, advancing nursing education, and supporting students to achieve their full academic and professional potential.