Part of the Intelligence Corps Association

About the Chairman

Leadership shaped by service.

Stephen James — Chairman, ICA ROSE Network

Stephen James

BA (Hons), QTS, FRSA

Chairman, ICA ROSE Network

Intelligence Corps veteran, entrepreneur, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Stephen leads The ROSE Network with a clear mandate: to ensure that every member of the Corps family has access to the professional support, connections, and opportunities they deserve.

Military Service

Stephen served in the Intelligence Corps, British Army (Regular), deploying operationally to Afghanistan as an Operator Military Intelligence (OPMI). His service developed the analytical judgement, structured reporting discipline, and leadership under pressure that continue to shape his approach to every role he holds.

That experience grounds his understanding of what the Corps family faces during transition — and afterwards. It is why The ROSE Network exists: not as a talking shop, but as a practical, trusted resource built by people who understand the landscape.

Professional Background

Beyond his military career, Stephen has built and led organisations across education, digital strategy, and veteran enterprise.

Hermes Digital UK

Founder & CEO

Strategic communications and reputational advisory for senior executives, professional athletes, ministers, and high-net-worth individuals.

Social Media for Schools UK

Founder & CEO

Structured digital governance frameworks adopted by over 500 schools nationally, supporting safeguarding and professional-conduct standards.

British Veteran Owned

Founder & Chairman

National non-profit supporting over 400 veteran-led businesses with credible, sustainable enterprise infrastructure.

Education & Recognition

  • BA (Hons)
  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
  • Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA)
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) — in progress
  • Kent Teacher of the Year (2018, 2021)
  • Specialist Leader of Education (Mathematics)
  • NCETM Professional Development Lead

Civic & Governance

  • Kent Regional Secretary — Intelligence Corps Association
  • Former Member, South East Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committee (Cabinet Office appointment)
  • Former Treasurer — Royal British Legion
  • Former Parliamentary Candidate (2024)

Get in Touch

Whether you're preparing for transition, looking to contribute as a Networker, or want to connect with the Intelligence Corps community.