SIMON JAMES

Simon joined the NIA in September 2003. His first job after leaving school was with the UK Atomic Energy Authority at Harwell. He is a physicist by training but has worked as a communications professional for over ten years in a wide range of areas including politics, local government, medical research and nuclear energy.

Simon handles public affairs issues for the NIA, developing policy initiatives and maintaining contacts with Westminster politicians and civil servants as well as having special responsibility for providing NIA input into the EU decision making process. 

From 1993-4 Simon worked for the Liberal Democrat Party, for the party headquarters and for then Party Leader Paddy Ashdown. From 1995-98 he was a political advisor to the leader of Kingston Council (a council he is now an elected member of serving as cabinet member for planning and regeneration) followed by five years in the communications unit of the Local Government International Bureau (the Local Government Association’s European and International arm).