Leading a programme of change that has seen VHS build a reputation for punching above its weight as Scotland’s national network and intermediary for voluntary health organisations. Under her leadership VHS has set out to realise the vision of a healthier, fairer Scotland served by a thriving voluntary health sector. Driven by a strong commitment to social justice Claire has held a wide range of executive and non-executive roles in Scotland’s third and public sectors in a career spanning… Show more Leading a programme of change that has seen VHS build a reputation for punching above its weight as Scotland’s national network and intermediary for voluntary health organisations. Under her leadership VHS has set out to realise the vision of a healthier, fairer Scotland served by a thriving voluntary health sector. Driven by a strong commitment to social justice Claire has held a wide range of executive and non-executive roles in Scotland’s third and public sectors in a career spanning welfare rights, homelessness, older people, children and young people, and social action. Show less

Advisor on the third sector to the Scottish Government Children and Families Directorate which is responsible for all policy on children, young people and families, including Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC), the overarching national strategy. Responsible for shaping and leading the Scottish Government’s engagement with the third sector in the implementation of GIRFEC and for advising officials and Ministers on the impact on the third sector of a wide range of policies. Instrumental in… Show more Advisor on the third sector to the Scottish Government Children and Families Directorate which is responsible for all policy on children, young people and families, including Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC), the overarching national strategy. Responsible for shaping and leading the Scottish Government’s engagement with the third sector in the implementation of GIRFEC and for advising officials and Ministers on the impact on the third sector of a wide range of policies. Instrumental in the initiation and early development of the National Third Sector GIRFEC Project, subsequently launched by the Minister for Children and Young People, Aileen Campbell MSP, in March 2013. Show less

Scotland’s senior manager in the UK’s leading volunteering and training charity, formerly called CSV. Reported to the UK Chief Executive and the Scotland Advisory Board. Convened the Scottish Managers Group, managed teams totaling up to 30 staff and provided corporate leadership within a matrix structure for up 70 further staff. Managed operational programmes, premises, contracts & budgets up to £3 million. Represented CSV externally, secured new income from public and private sources and… Show more Scotland’s senior manager in the UK’s leading volunteering and training charity, formerly called CSV. Reported to the UK Chief Executive and the Scotland Advisory Board. Convened the Scottish Managers Group, managed teams totaling up to 30 staff and provided corporate leadership within a matrix structure for up 70 further staff. Managed operational programmes, premises, contracts & budgets up to £3 million. Represented CSV externally, secured new income from public and private sources and managed relationships with funders. Show less

New post entailed setting up a fundraising database, developing a fundraising strategy and raising money for two of HRH Prince Charles charitable trusts for young people in Scotland: Prince’s Trust Action and Prince’s Trust Volunteers.

Five month secondment to the European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless, the European body that campaigns for improved homelessness legislation, policy and services in individual countries and at European Union level. Contributed to policy development and wide-ranging stakeholder engagement across Europe.

Director of the then Scottish Council for Single Homeless, the national campaigning and research charity focused on single homeless people. Reported to the board of trustees. Responsible for the leadership, strategy, management, funding & development of the charity. Led and implemented significant organisational and cultural change, establishing effective management systems and procedures, motivating and managing staff to implement these.

Developed and expanded Age Concern Scotland's Care and Repair services in rural and urban Scotland. Policy and campaigning on housing legislation and practice affecting older people.

Policy, communications and campaigns role to improve housing and homelessness legislation and rights.

Local authority based advisor and campaigns organiser on welfare benefits.

Community based advisor on welfare benefits and housing rights.