James Thorne | Chief Executive Officer
The Institute of Quarrying

James is the current Joint CEO for the Institute of Quarrying  (IQ) and the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC). The Institute has been supporting professionals in the quarrying and minerals sector for 100 years, with over 6000 members worldwide, the Institute delivers, training, education and continuing professional development. Currently the Insitute is working with partners to develop support and skills in sustainability, decarbonisation and the adoption of new technologies such as AI. In the last seven years James has worked with the IQ Board and members to support the development of skills and competence of individuals within the sector. As part of his role James has been part of the wider industry collaboration working towards delivering a safer and healthier sector, with the QNJAC Board and also the Strategic Safety Forum for the Minerals Sector.  Before becoming the Chief Executive of the Institute of Quarrying in 2017, James was the executive director of membership with IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety & Health). During his time with the organisation, he worked closely with members, developing research to understand the needs of the organisation’s 46,000-plus members around the world. He then led on enhancements to the support and services available to its membership, helping safety and health professionals to network, share knowledge and to develop their careers. In his role with IOSH James was board member for the OSHCR register and worked to support the development of standards for the sector. Before arriving at IOSH in 2014, he spent six years at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), becoming its Head of Membership Services.