Duvall James

Duvall James

At a glance

Skills

  • Business development / Sales
  • Strategic development and planning
  • General / operations management

Where

Based in Coulsdon, Surrey
I would prefer to volunteer mainly at home, or will consider remote opportunities from across the UK.

Time

Either in or out of office hours

I can do between 1 to 2 hours per day or 4 days a month. 

Causes

  • Any

Type of role

Short term project, Ongoing role, Trustee/Governor

Work history

About me

With over 20 years of experience in membership development, stakeholder engagement, and strategic growth, I bring a wealth of expertise in governance, leadership, and financial oversight. As Head of Membership Development at RIBA, I have successfully led a 55,000-member network, managed £1.1M in new membership income, and maintained a 95% corporate retention rate. My tenure at the Institute of Hospitality and Institute of Directors further solidified my ability to drive sustainable growth, operational excellence, and stakeholder collaboration at both national and international levels.

I possess a strong understanding of nonprofit governance, corporate partnerships, and financial stewardship, ensuring that membership organizations thrive while upholding their mission and values. 

As a dedicated member of the Institute of Directors (IoD) and holder of multiple leadership and governance certifications, I am committed to advancing best practices, enhancing stakeholder value, and driving impactful change in the membership sector. My experience in leading diverse teams, optimizing processes, and leveraging data-driven insights positions me as a strategic, forward-thinking trustee who can add significant value to any organization’s governance and operational strategy.

What am I looking for

  • Trustee or Board Member – Providing governance, strategic oversight, and financial stewardship to nonprofit or membership organizations.
  • Mentorship & Coaching – Supporting emerging professionals in the membership sector or business development.
  • Business & Membership Strategy Advisor – Helping charities, associations, or professional bodies enhance their membership growth, retention, and engagement strategies.
  • Professional Development & Education – Supporting institutes that help professionals advance their careers.