About James

I've been an unconventional leader since I was a teenager. First with the scout movement, then the Territorial Army. After university I joined the UK civil service on a graduate management development programme. My career is now in its third decade and I've worked in Finance, HR, policy, strategy, IT, change, operations management and internal consultancy. Over the years I've mentored, coached and developed dozens of senior managers and hundreds of people.

Weeknotes S3E02 14-18 June 2021

I’ve had a five day week, which is very unusual for me. I logged in on Wednesday after I’d taken my daughter to school so that I could join in several Civil Service Live 2021 but, like many others from Continue reading Weeknotes S3E02 14-18 June 2021

Bridge Building – Weeknotes S3E01 4-11 June 2021

The theme this week is bridge building, both literal and metaphorical. I’ve decided to re-start weeknotes again, it’s been over a year since my last weeknote, although I have bridged the gap with private notes in my hardback diary. We Continue reading Bridge Building – Weeknotes S3E01 4-11 June 2021

Future Leaders Scheme 2021 – Personal Statement

view from the window at Civil Service Live 2016

I thought it would be worth sharing my personal statement for the 2021 round of  UK civil service Future Leaders Scheme. I know others have done this in the past. Several people I’ve met through OneTeamGov did a few years Continue reading Future Leaders Scheme 2021 – Personal Statement

Staff Engagement Exercises Explained

I was involved in my second staff engagement exercise as part of a UK Civil Service recruitment recently. This time I was one of the staff on the panel rather than a candidate. So I learnt a lot about how Continue reading Staff Engagement Exercises Explained

How to Write Meeting Notes

The world seems awash with productivity hacks, and taking good meeting notes will make you a lot more productive at work. I’ve come to realise that it’s a key skill, and not one to leave to the most junior person Continue reading How to Write Meeting Notes