Gayle Gilchrist James had a distinguished career in social work. Among her many achievements, she was President of the Alberta and Canadian Associations of Social Workers, as well as being the first Canadian president of the International Federation of Social Workers from 1988 to 1992.
Ms Gilchrist James was Chairperson of the National Council of Welfare from 1986 to 1989. During her term, the Council released the publications Welfare in Canada: The Tangled Safety Net and Child Care: A Better Alternative, among others.