Howard is the Head of Policy at the Royal College of Nursing. His team lead on health, social and nursing policy reform and closely support RCN Council and the Executive team. Howard has also undertaken a range of international nursing policy work including an assignment with the International Council of Nurses.

Howard has worked as both nurse and HR manager in the NHS and has held a variety of posts at the RCN with leads that included workforce research, devolution and NHS modernisation.

Howard also served as a local Government Councillor for seven years, for four of which he was a cabinet member.