Since 2004 Clare has been Chief Executive of Action for Children (formerly National Children’s Home). Action for Children employs over 6000 people in nearly 500 projects across the UK and in parts of the Caribbean and Africa, supporting more than 170,000 children, young people and their families. In the UK, the charity runs a number of children’s centres as well as other specialist services for children and families.
Clare has significant experience leading and advising voluntary organisations on children and families, and other social issues. Her previous role was Chief Executive at Stonham Housing Association. She has also held many non-executive and advisory positions in the voluntary and housing sectors, as well as in the Social Exclusion Unit, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Department of Health and the Audit Commission. Clare was also a member of the 0-7 Expert Group for the Children’s Plan.
In 2008, Clare was awarded the ‘Third sector Most Admired Chief Executive’, voted by other leaders in the voluntary sector. In 2009 she was made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, for services to young people.
Clare lives in West London with her husband and has two sons.