About Claire

I am an independent improvement consultant, executive coach and coaching supervisor, specialising in children’s services, SEND, social care and leadership development.

My career has brought together two complementary areas of experience: business and organisational consultancy, and a commitment to improving the lives of children, young people and families.

That combination shapes the way I work today. I bring strategic analysis, programme discipline and commercial awareness, while remaining attentive to relationships, professional practice and the lived experience of people who use services..

Close-up photo of a woman with dark brown hair, green eyes, and a subtle smile, sitting in a car.

My professional journey

I began my career as a management consultant in London, working with directors and senior leaders on organisational strategy, performance, business planning and governance.

My work included supporting organisations to clarify their purpose, develop measurable plans, establish effective reporting arrangements and translate strategic goals into delivery. I also worked internationally and completed an MBA, strengthening my understanding of organisational leadership, finance and change.

I later retrained as a teacher and worked in secondary and higher education. I progressed into pastoral and academic leadership roles, including Head of Year 10, Head of Year 11 and Head of Key Stage 4.

Working directly with children, young people, families and schools gave me a much deeper understanding of the human impact of organisational decisions. It also developed my interest in inclusion, special educational needs and disabilities, vulnerable children and the systems surrounding them.

I subsequently moved into local government transformation and improvement, where I have led and supported programmes across SEND and children’s social care.

My work today

I am an approved associate for the South East Sector-Led Improvement Programme and launched the Targeted Support Programme.

The programme supports local authorities to address complex SEND and children’s social care challenges through peer expertise, diagnostic work, facilitated improvement and practical implementation support.

My role includes:

  • developing and overseeing a regional portfolio of improvement projects

  • working with directors, assistant directors and senior service leaders

  • identifying and commissioning specialist expertise

  • establishing scope, deliverables and measurable outcomes

  • supporting governance, assurance and risk management

  • facilitating collaboration between local authorities

  • connecting local work with national reforms and regional learning

  • ensuring that projects remain focused on improved outcomes for children and families

Recent assignments have included work on annual reviews, EHCP processes, ordinarily available provision, SEND support, complaints, co-production, joint commissioning, quality assurance, data, workforce development and Lean process improvement.

I also work as an associate with the Local Government Association, supporting peer challenge and sector-led improvement.

Coaching and leadership development

Alongside my consultancy work, I coach senior and aspiring leaders across public services, education, charities and business.

I hold:

  • an ILM Level 5 Diploma in Executive Coaching and Mentoring

  • an ILM Level 7 Certificate in Coaching Supervision

My coaching approach is reflective, strengths-based and appropriately challenging. I create space for people to slow down, examine complex situations and develop their own clarity and direction.

I am particularly interested in supporting leaders who are:

  • moving into a more senior role

  • leading organisational or service change

  • working across complex partnerships

  • managing professional or political pressure

  • trying to maintain perspective and resilience

  • seeking to become more thoughtful and effective leaders

I also design and facilitate coaching and mentoring development for leaders and practitioners. This includes active listening, powerful questioning, clean language, reflective practice, boundaries and the effective use of coaching and mentoring

How I work

I do not assume that one model or solution will work everywhere.

Every organisation has its own history, relationships, pressures, strengths and ambitions. I therefore begin by listening and developing a clear understanding of the context.

I use evidence, professional curiosity and structured analysis to help people distinguish symptoms from underlying causes. I then work collaboratively to create practical recommendations that are achievable, locally owned and connected to better outcomes.

My approach combines:

  • strategic thinking

  • programme and project leadership

  • facilitation

  • coaching

  • Lean process improvement

  • governance and assurance

  • reflective practice

  • a strong understanding of children’s services

Above all, I aim to create the conditions for honest learning and sustainable improvement.

Qualifications and professional roles

  • MBA

  • ILM Level 5 Diploma in Executive Coaching and Mentoring

  • ILM Level 7 Certificate in Coaching Supervision

  • Qualified teacher

  • Independent improvement consultant

  • Programme Lead, SESLIP Targeted Support Programme

  • SESLIP associate

  • Local Government Association associate

  • Executive coach and coaching supervisor