James combines a background in academic research on conflict minerals and human rights with over eight years of consulting in social performance and human rights. He has worked extensively on strengthening corporate human rights due diligence (HRDD) systems, supporting clients to identify, understand and address salient human rights impacts across operations and supply chains. Alongside many human rights assessments, he has also worked on social impact assessments in various regions.

He has expertise as a consultant and project manager in human rights impact assessment, security and human rights risk management, responsible sourcing and supply chain due diligence and auditing, social impact assessment, and training and capacity-building. His work also covers grievance management and supporting companies integrate a ‘human rights lens’ into social performance, stakeholder engagement, and operational decision-making. Finally, he has led and contributed to the development of a range of publicly available research and technical guidance, including the ICMM’s updated HRDD Guidance, its forthcoming Guide on Indigenous Peoples and Mining, IFC’s guidance on local benefit sharing in the renewables, and a policy paper on aligning OECD Due Diligence Guidance on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains with the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.

James holds a DPhil in International Development from the University of Oxford, where his research examined human rights monitoring in the Kimberley Process and the evolving role of human rights in the management of responsible mineral supply chains. He brings strong analytical skills and field-informed insight to support clients working in complex and sensitive environments.