Speakers

James Howell is Director of Partnerships and External Affairs at housing association L&Q, responsible for strategic stakeholder engagement, external relationships, and lobbying.

Between 2023 and 2025 he was seconded to co-ordinate the work of the G15 group of London's largest housing associations. This role involved working with the Chief Executives of all 11 member organisations, plus an external network of senior stakeholders, to co-ordinate political lobbying, stakeholder engagement and reputation management. He developed and delivered a major lobbying campaign on behalf of G15 members in the run up to the Comprehensive Spending Review, which ultimately saw the Government announce a major package of support for the housing sector, including '39n funding for a long-term affordable homes programme.

Before joining the housing sector, James worked for several regional and national newspapers, including The Sunday Times.

In 2025, he was appointed as a Board Director at Communities that Work, a not-for-profit organisation that trans lives by enabling housing providers to support people to access long term, rewarding employment.