James Humphreys

Expert training in strategic communications policy and behaviour change for government and organisations

James Humphreys is a director of the research and engagement consultancy Woodnewton. He is a specialist in strategic communications and behaviour change, with a strong focus on public policy, government communications and influencing stakeholder behaviour.

He works across sectors including government, public bodies and major private organisations, helping teams improve how they communicate, influence and deliver change.

Government and civil service experience

James has extensive senior level experience in the UK civil service. He previously served as Head of Corporate Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, where he was responsible for communications strategy, digital enablement and employee engagement.

His work included launching the first cross government brand and developing the first mobile app for government.

Before this, he worked in the Department for the Environment on policy areas including regional development, housing and environmental protection. He also served as environment attaché at the UK Representation to the European Union in Brussels, working directly on EU negotiation and policy.

He has written a book based on this experience titled Negotiating in the European Union: How to Make the Brussels Machine Work for You.

Strategic communications and international experience

James has worked with a wide range of organisations across sectors, including clients such as John Lewis and GCHQ. His experience spans both public and private sector environments, giving him a strong understanding of how to communicate effectively with different audiences and decision makers.

He has also held academic and leadership roles in higher education, including Visiting Professor of Government at City University London and launching a Masters programme in Political Communication, Advocacy and Campaigning at Kingston University.

He has served as Chair of IVCA, now EVCOM, the trade association for the visual communications industry, and as a trustee of the Woodland Trust.

Areas of expertise

James delivers training across a wide range of public sector and organisational development areas including:

• Strategic communications and messaging
• Behaviour change and public engagement
• Policy development and implementation
• Strategic planning and organisational strategy
• Stakeholder engagement and influencing
• Impact assessment and evaluation
• Government communication and digital strategy
• Negotiation and international policy processes

What makes James Humphreys’ training unique

James combines senior government leadership experience with international negotiation expertise and strategic communications practice. His training is grounded in real world government and organisational challenges.

He helps participants understand how to influence effectively, communicate clearly and design strategies that achieve real behavioural and policy impact.

Why organisations book James Humphreys

• Senior experience in the Prime Minister’s Office and UK civil service
• Expert in strategic communications and behaviour change
• International negotiation and EU policy experience
• Author and academic with strong teaching background
• Experience working across government, private sector and international organisations

Improving communication and delivering effective change

James Humphreys helps public sector organisations improve strategic communication, strengthen stakeholder engagement and design more effective policy implementation strategies. His training supports clearer messaging, better decision making and stronger organisational impact.