Clare began her career in the UK Civil Service in 2002, and worked initially for the Department for Work and Pensions.

Clare joined the Scottish Government in 2005 and has worked mainly in policy roles including most recently:

·      Deputy Director, Covid Recovery

·      Deputy Director, Police Division, and

·      Deputy Director, Workforce, Infrastructure and Reform, Learning Directorate.

From October 2021, Clare took on the role of Director for Education Reform working closely with Learning Directorate and wider education stakeholders.

Clare is from Bangor, Northern Ireland and has a degree (MA Hons) in English Literature and History from Edinburgh University.  Prior to her civil service career, she worked in Shetland in alcohol and drugs policy.