James joined Involve in December 2022, and leads network and membership development on the UK Democracy Network.
His role is focused on enhancing the capacity of organisations and individuals across the UK democracy sector and increasing the strength and quality of connection between them.
Prior to joining Involve, James directed the Centre for Democracy, working to develop the network infrastructure of the UK democracy sector, improving collaboration and strengthening efforts across the space.
James has worked across a range of different roles associated with technology, community development and political campaigning. He began his career developing a community of technologists working with real-time sensor open data, before co-founding award-winning air quality non-profit AirPublic. He went on to work with California-based political fundraising startup Crowdpac, delivering political analysis and mentoring political campaigns.
His other roles have included as co-founder of pioneering UK Labour Party affiliated game development studio Games for the Many, co-founder of Campaign Lab, a community of political technologists focused on electoral campaigning innovation, co-founder of Common Knowledge, a not-for-profit workers cooperative building digital infrastructure for social movements and as a National Coordinator of Extinction Rebellion UK.
James is a Fellow and Lecturer in Network Development at Newspeak House - the London College of Political Technology. He graduated with a degree in Politics & International Relations from the University of Westminster in 2014, focusing on democratic innovation and political simulation.