I am delighted to announce we have appointed James Helm as a Partner in the specialist Philanthropy and Global Issues team, where he will support our growing roster of global development clients and provide counsel to clients across the agency.
Formerly the Director of Communications at the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), there are few people who know more about global development and global campaigns. We are thrilled to have him in our expanding team.
James joined DFID in 2010 and led an award-winning communications team during the Ebola crisis in West Africa, and the UK’s humanitarian response to Syria, and made the case for the UK’s increasing aid budget as it reached the 0.7% target at a time of increased scrutiny. Working with international partners and other parts of the UK Government, he led global campaigns on a range of issues. Earlier this year, at the London Conference for Supporting Syria and the Region, hosted by the Prime Minister, effective communications were key in raising a record $12 billion.
James began his career in newspapers, before joining the BBC as a News Trainee. He worked as a correspondent, presenter and producer across BBC News, and spent five years as Dublin Correspondent. He joined DFID soon after the 2010 election following a stint as deputy head of News and PR at the Central Office of Information (COI).
James Helm says: “I’ve been proud to be part of Government communications at DFID for nearly six years. I am now delighted to be joining Portland’s excellent team, and am really excited about helping to drive further success and the opportunities to serve clients around the world.”