James Beckles

I'm a highly experienced and politically astute public affairs and policy professional with expertise in engaging Parliamentarians and Whitehall officials. A strong background in government, political campaigns, and stakeholder engagement has provided me with insight into the intricacies of local and national government decision-making. I'm a critical thinker with attention to detail and budget management skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and exceptional project management expertise.

Public Affairs and Engagement Manager (Contract) - Black Equity Organisation (BEO)

(2025-06)

• Provide political monitoring and insight and lead on engagement with key politicians, policy makers and civil society partners. I secured two meetings with the Prime Minister's Special Advisers (SpAds) at Number 10.
• Advise and lead on the development and implementation of BEO's policy positions, consultation responses, and ensure partners are informed by robust evidence and analysis.
• Set up and lead BEO's Policy Forum, a group of policy and political experts, I created and embedded a policy tracker to monitor the progress and success of BEO's policy demands.
• Lead on engagement with parliamentarians, regional leaders - Metro Mayors and peer organisations. I represent BEO at public affairs events, including parliamentary meetings, APPGs and policy forums.
• Delivered impactful events, including a parliamentary round table, a report launch, and a webinar on safety, security, and democratic participation.

Local Development Committee Chair (Part-time) - Newham Local Development Planning Committee

(2023-05 - 2026-05)

I chair the Newham Local Development Planning Committee. I assess planning applications for policy compliance, public benefit, and officer recommendations. Encourage critical thinking, analysis and discussion among committee members. I liaise with planning officers to provide committee members with up-to-date training on planning law, development viability and housing policy.

Account Manager PR - Cavendish Consulting

(2022-04 - 2023-09)

Strong account management skills in stakeholder engagement, working with well-established clients across the built environment sector. I managed successful and impactful engagement campaigns with councillors, community groups, media and members of the public.

• Budget management of projects, provided timely public affairs and strategic counsel, crisis communication and undertook political & stakeholder research, data analysis and successful delivery of public consultations.
• Managed junior staff.
• First port of call for clients, management of project targets.

Cabinet Member for Crime and Community Safety - London Borough of Newham

(2018-12 - 2022-05)

I was appointed to the cabinet in 2018. Built strategic relationships with the Metropolitan Police and Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). Enhanced operational effectiveness in community safety resident response.

• Achieved an investment of £1m per year for 3 years for 16 council-funded Metropolitan Police officers.
• Secured £63,000 of Home Office funding to launch the Safer Newham pilot, increasing third-party reporting sites and training for staff.
• Youth engagement and development of borough-wide engagement plans for schools and colleges.

Project Executive - Ipsos Mori

(2017-02 - 2018-12)

• Managed client accounts.
• Line-managed team members on various research projects, consistently meeting targets and deadlines.
• Lead project executive providing initial analysis of recipient responses from the national and regional surveys.
• Increased the number of overall respondents on the Touchpoints consumer research through effective customer engagement.
• Attention to detail and analysis of data, clearly communicating with clients and research executives.

Policy Officer (Education) - General Pharmaceutical Council

(2014-07 - 2017-01)

• Conducted annual surveys on the experience of pre-registration trainee pharmacists. This contributed to sector-wide knowledge and offered suggestions for enhancements.
• Modernised and implemented a new complaints procedure to simplify raising concerns about education standards. Facilitated extensive focus groups and stakeholder engagement workshops.
• Reviewed GPhC's education standards for pharmacists and pharmacist tutors, updating education standards for future pharmacists.

Compliance Inspector - Care Quality Commission

(2012-01 - 2014-04)

• I managed a portfolio of health and social care services ensuring health and adult social care standards were maintained.
• Detailed knowledge of inspection procedures and service improvements.
• Continuously assessed and managed risk across a diverse portfolio of providers resulting in an in-depth understanding of the healthcare sector.
• Worked in partnership with NHS and private health and adult social care providers to improve their service provision.

Strategy and Partnerships Officer - London Borough of Newham

(2007-09 - 2011-12)

Actively engaged with partners in the private and third sector, building strong networks resulting in better and more effective communication between the council, local organisations and residents. Edited the quarterly partnerships newsletter and stakeholder assets. I was lead officer for advising on equality and diversity; and writing equality impact assessments.

• Successfully supported a cross-departmental project to develop and implement a 5-year Carbon Management Plan, which led to a 7% reduction in CO2 emissions in the first year.

Parliamentary Researcher - Office of Lyn Brown MP (West Ham)

(2005-09 - 2007-09)

Worked independently in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment to manage an MP's Parliamentary office.

• Drafted and issued timely press releases to increase the visibility of the MP's work in local media.
• Managed and responded within set timelines to a diverse caseload.
• Developed close working relationships with government departments and lobbying groups.
• Responded to urgent correspondence from constituents, government and businesses.

PG Dip - Public Services - University of East London

MA - Crime, Human Rights and the International Community - University of Westminster

Bachelor of Laws – LLB (Hons) - London Metropolitan University