Mr Williams completed his learning disability nurse training in 2001, and he also holds a diploma in social work; since qualifying he has worked in community teams and supported living services.

He chairs the influential North West Learning Disability Nurses Network and the North West Positive Behavioural Support Network. In January 2015 he was appointed to the RCN learning disability nursing forum steering committee; he has previously sat on the Winterbourne Assurance Board and was a member of the Bubb report steering group.

He has worked with RCNi in the development of the National Learning Disability Nursing conference for nine years and is part of the relaunch of the Greater Manchester Learning Disability Forum.

Since 2014 Mr Williams has also been an invited member of the National Challenging Behaviour Strategy Group steering committee.