Hello

I'm James Williams. I help charities and social enterprises with positioning, marketing and income generation.

The Whole Picture

Many income and communications challenges aren't what they appear to be.A fundraising shortfall is often a positioning problem.
A communications strategy that isn't working is often an audience problem.
A strategy that looks right on paper but isn't delivering is often an organisational problem - structure, capacity or culture getting in the way of execution.I work with CEOs, senior leaders and trustee boards at the point where these challenges converge. Bringing strategic, marketing, fundraising and operational expertise, I can help you see the whole picture clearly and work out what to do about it.I'm most useful to organisations that are at an inflection point - growing, restructuring, rethinking their model, or simply stuck and not sure why.If you want clear thinking, new ideas, honest challenge and deeply practical support then I can help.

About

I set up JW Interim & Consulting after 20 years working in-house for social-purpose organisations in a variety of fundraising, business development, operations, marketing and senior leadership roles.I love helping to build successful charities and social enterprises that deliver real impact and improve people's lives.My previous roles include Operations Director at The Prince of Wales' Charitable Fund, Deputy Chief Executive at In Kind Direct, Head of Marketing & Partnerships at ReachOut and Strategic Fundraising & Partnerships Advisor at Now Teach. Since 2022, I've been a Strategic Applicant Consultant at The Fore - the UK's only venture philanthropy funder for small charities and social enterprises.I hold postgraduate qualifications from Bayes Business School and INSEAD, and "Mini" MBAs in marketing and in behavioural science.

How i can help

Every organisation's needs are different so my support is versatile and responsive.
Here's a few ideas of how I can work with you:

Strategic Positioning & Audience Review
A focused diagnostic that looks honestly at how your positioning, brand, communications and income generation hang together. Who are you trying to reach, what do you need them to think and do, and is everything pointing in the same direction? Delivered as a clear assessment with prioritised recommendations your leadership team can act on. Typically 3-4 weeks

Integrated Income & Communications Strategy
For organisations that need to rethink how they generate income and tell their story in a coherent, connected way. I work with you to develop a strategy that treats fundraising and communications as two sides of the same coin - grounded in your operational reality and built to be delivered, not just presented to a trustee board. Typically 4-6 weeks.

AI Readiness: Strategy & Positioning
A focused session or short engagement helping your leadership team think through what AI means for your communications, your positioning, your supporter relationships and your income - not from a technology perspective, but a strategic one. Most charity leaders know AI is changing the picture. Few have worked out what it means for them specifically. Typically 2 weeks

Strategic Advisory Retainer
Ongoing counsel for senior leaders who want a trusted external perspective on positioning, income, communications and organisational challenges.
Structured around a regular session and light-touch availability between times for staff mentoring and practical support. Includes a quarterly written reflection on where you are against your priorities.

Interim Leadership
Available for interim roles where organisations need experienced senior leadership at a moment of transition, growth or challenge. I bring strategic and operational breadth alongside fundraising and communications expertise.

I work on a per project and day rate basis, with discounted rates for smaller organisations.Through my wider network I can bring in extra pairs of hands and additional expertise to deliver what’s needed.

Some of the organisations I've worked with

"Working with James has been a game-changer for ReachOut. He has a unique ability to assess organisational goals and craft strategies that maximise opportunities for growth and partnership development.
His expertise, dedication, and proven track record make him a valuable asset for any organisation seeking to amplify its impact"
Ben Hilton,
CEO, ReachOut UK

"James quickly grasped our situation and worked as both a thought partner to me as CEO as well as delivering. He's flexible, adaptable in any crisis and delivers fantastic results."
Graihagh Crawshaw-Sadler,
CEO, Now Teach

"Working with James on our fundraising strategy review was excellent: clear in his analysis, focused and actionable insights, and a pleasure to meet with and discuss ideas."
Ben Webster, CEO, Mosaik

"James was an enormous help during a very difficult time for our charity. He brought clarity and enthusiasm, providing clear and honest feedback, guidance and support in writing bids to receive much needed funding to enable us to re-open. He also helped in developing a clear strategy for our ongoing fundraising. We would highly recommend him."
The Toucan for Children Team

"James is a compassionate, insightful and inspiring human being! His ability to concisely convey complex information and capture the human story in the work he led was second to none. James can bring people with him and deliver compelling content in a way that is accessible yet targeted for specific audiences. As well as that, he is a kind and thoughtful colleague and advisor, supporting teams during challenging times and driven by delivering on an organisation’s purpose.’
Charlotte Walshe,
Partnerships & Impact Director,
In Kind Direct

"James has been a pleasure to work with. We were so impressed with the progress he was able to make in a short time and now feel equipped to approach corporate fundraising in a considered way. Thank you for your knowledge and expertise James - we look forward to working with you again soon hopefully!."
Louisa Rose, CEO, Beyond

"We worked with James at first to clarify our thinking, and then to develop a potential fundraising strategy to present to our trustee board. He was very quick to understand our context and charitable mission, and offered valuable and informed insight that has really helped us plan longer term."
Anne Cameron,
Director of Partnerships and Impact, Teacher Development Trust

"I am constantly in awe of his flair with communications. He is a caring, empathetic leader and I have loved working with him."
Bejal Shah
CEO

Contact

If you think I can help, please get in touch.I'm always happy to have an initial chat to discuss what you have in mind.[email protected]