Jim Thomas was a long-standing friend, ally, and partner to TLAP, whose influence shaped so much of the work we care about today. Jim passed away on 9 November 2025, and his loss is felt deeply. He brought heart, clarity, and conviction to social care, always reminding us that people and relationships come first.
Jim’s work, his values and his humanity live on in the countless people and projects he influenced. Below, the TLAP team share their personal reflections on Jim and the legacy he leaves behind.
“Jim Thomas had a way of making you believe that personalisation and co‑production weren’t just the right way to work—it was the better way, and entirely doable. Jim showed up with kindness, integrity and a deep commitment to centring people, and he helped shape our mission. In my early days around TLAP, joining partnership events from the Alzheimer’s Society, his steady humanity and deep conviction left a lasting mark on me. He will be deeply missed by many.”
Ian McCreath, Director, TLAP
“I first met Jim in 2012, when I was at Community Navigator Services CIC, and from the beginning he brought something rare into social care, steady humanity. He believed Disabled people should shape decisions, and he acted on that belief with empathy and integrity. Even as he faced his illness, he carried it with grace, still thinking about others, still asking how we could make the system kinder. Our last conversation, just four weeks ago, was about his blog on being an anti-racist ally, because even when unwell, he was focused on justice, community, and lifting people up.
Jim never lost sight of what matters. His legacy is simple and powerful, lead with humanity, listen with care, and centre people always. You will be missed, my friend.”
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, Associate Director, TLAP
“Jim Thomas was more than a colleague, he was a friend and an unwavering supporter of lived experience in health and social care. Over the years, Jim consistently showed up, not for recognition or praise, but because he genuinely cared about people and how we could make services better together. His commitment to social justice, inclusion, and co-production wasn’t just professional; it was personal.
For those of us who worked alongside him, Jim’s guidance, encouragement, and kindness were constant. He had a way of making space for everyone’s voice and reminding us that every perspective mattered. He supported many through difficult times, always thoughtful, always courageous, and always thinking about how we could improve health and social care for everyone.
Jim’s empathy, dedication, and humanity left a lasting mark, and the world is a better place for having had him in it.”
Isaac Samuels OBE, Co-chair of NCAG and TLAP Board
“I remember first meeting Jim when he worked at Skills for Care and hearing him talk about the role of Personal Assistants in a way that showed he absolutely understood what people who draw on care and support want from their support workers. And that was rare, and it’s why I remember it! It felt good to know there was someone working in social care who was rooting for us.
He stayed hopeful but had no illusions about his illness. He made it easy for us to be open about it with him and I hope that helped him. His family meant everything to him and his regret about leaving them too early was what kept him going. He has left this world too early but it’s a better place for him having been here.”
Kate Sibthorp, Co-chair of NCAG and TLAP Board
