Claire is Chief Executive of Emerging Futures, a national charity supporting adults affected by homelessness, addiction and multiple disadvantage. With more than 20 years’ experience in the voluntary and social enterprise sector, she has dedicated her career to helping people overcome some of life’s toughest challenges. Starting out as a frontline homelessness worker, she has gone on to lead organisations through growth, transformation and innovation, always with a focus on creating opportunities for people and communities to thrive. Her experience spans homelessness, addiction recovery, refugee and asylum support, youth services, mental health, sexual violence services and social policy, including senior leadership roles in both the UK and Australia.

Alongside her executive leadership experience, Claire brings extensive governance expertise. She has served as a trustee, committee member and governor for organisations including Rape Crisis England & Wales, BBC Children in Need’s North West Grant Giving Committee, The Community Farm and St Herbert’s Primary School. She is passionate about strong, inclusive governance and believes the best decisions are made when the voices and experiences of local people are at the heart of them.

Having moved to Keswick in 2025 after many years of visiting and falling in love with Cumbria, Claire was keen to give something back to the community she now calls home. She was drawn to Cumbria Community Foundation’s ability to connect generosity with local need, creating practical and lasting change across the county.

Claire is passionate about social justice, compassionate leadership and strengthening communities. She is a firm believer in the power of local organisations, volunteers and community leaders to make a real difference. As a trustee, she hopes to bring strategic insight, governance expertise and infectious enthusiasm, helping the Foundation continue to grow its impact and support resilient, inclusive and thriving communities across Cumbria for many years to come.