In Conversation With James Allen

Join us for an insightful session with James Allen, Founder and Director of Counsel. James founded Counsel in 2019, building on extensive experience across the commercial, political and non-profit sectors. Over the past seven years, he has led projects for nearly 100 clients, delivering strategic advice and impactful solutions across a wide range of organisations. In late 2023, he also served as Interim Managing Director of County Durham Sport. Throughout his career, James has held a variety of senior leadership and advisory roles spanning public affairs, governance, communications, research and public policy. Before establishing Counsel, he spent more than six years at the Sport and Recreation Alliance, where he served as Director of Policy, Governance and External Affairs, leading high-profile projects that influenced policy, governance and sector development across sport and physical activity. His previous roles include leading public policy and public affairs activity at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, serving as Head of Public Services, and advising senior Cabinet Ministers in the UK Government. He has also worked extensively in financial services and the voluntary sector, developing expertise in stakeholder engagement, policy development and organisational leadership. Alongside his executive career, James has significant board-level experience. He has served as a Non-Executive Director at Sport Resolutions UK, where he led the development of a new organisational strategy, and as a trustee of the award-winning charity Disability Sports Coach, overseeing governance. He has also supported numerous charitable and community organisations, including the Bristol Sport Foundation and the Community Foundation of Crystal Palace Football Club. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leading expert in sport governance, public policy and organisational leadership, and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the sport sector.