After 25 years’ experience in the public, private and voluntary sectors, Clare became Natspec’s chief executive in January 2016. She previously worked at the Association of Colleges for six years and in local authorities, funding agencies, schools and colleges. As a consultant in the 2000s, Clare worked on more than 200 projects and took interim posts across the education, sport and health sectors, developing a passion for further education and a particular interest in services and education for people with learning difficulties and disabilities. She has worked with special schools, specialist colleges and national disability organisations and her expertise includes organisational development, funding bids, training, change management and governance projects. She was awarded an OBE in 2023.