James is the Chief Operating Officer at Youth Unity CIC, bringing over 20 years of experience and a strong track record in strategic planning, operational management, and service development. As a key leader within the organisation, he drives growth, strengthens delivery, and ensures that Youth Unity remains firmly aligned with its mission: achieving better outcomes for young people.
James oversees a diverse portfolio of early intervention and social care services, ensuring they remain responsive to emerging needs and vulnerabilities. His leadership is rooted in partnership working, system change, and innovation, enabling Youth Unity to adapt effectively to the evolving challenges faced by young people and communities today.
Deeply committed to improving the lives of vulnerable groups, James excels in building purposeful, multi-agency collaborations. These partnerships enhance Youth Unity’s ability to address issues such as criminal exploitation, county lines, serious youth violence, and organised crime.
Before joining Youth Unity, James worked extensively in safeguarding and community consultancy, supporting local authorities, policing bodies, and multi-agency partnerships to strengthen their response to youth vulnerability and exploitation. Prior to his consultancy work, James spent 14 years in the police service, where he contributed to training development, best-practice strategy, and frontline intervention services focused on gangs, criminal exploitation, county lines, and organised crime.
His experience also includes commissioning, integrated service design, and providing specialist advice to safeguarding partnerships, education trusts, and regional NHS trusts. James has worked nationally with NHS Trusts and Safeguarding Children Boards, influencing both policy and practice at strategic and operational levels.
Earlier in his career, James achieved a BA (Hons) in Visual Communications from the Kent Institute of Art, specialising in graphic design and photography. He continues to apply this creative background within Youth Unity’s projects, using arts-based engagement to inspire and connect with young people.
An alumnus of Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, James maintains a strong interest in the arts and is particularly passionate about supporting young people with SEND, championing inclusive opportunities and creative expression for all.
