Claire Lloyd

Director of Operations

Hi, there! I grew up in South East London – although I spent almost 2 years in Australia and New Zealand from the age of 18 months … My parents wanted to try a new adventure but they missed our wider family too much, so we returned to the UK. My mum is Greek Cypriot and came to the UK when she was 2 years old, in the 1950’s with her parents and 9 brothers and sisters! We still have family in Cyprus and I enjoy eating and cooking Mediterranean food!

I love my role as Director of Operations – it means I get to see what goes on day to day and support us to move in the right direction as well as looking at the bigger picture of how we can improve. It literally brings all my passions together – supporting and enabling people, systems, processes and policies and all the ‘nuts and bolts’!!

I started working with children and young people in the late 1990’s, when I volunteered as an appropriate adult and referral order panel member in several London Boroughs, whilst I was studying for my law degree and Bar Finals. Before being called to the Bar for England and Wales in 2002, I made a decision that rather than being in court and defending, I wanted to be at the heart of choice and change -which led me straight into the field of prevention and support and there my heart has settled for over 20 years. I have developed and led services across London and the UK, including gang prevention, early years and parental support through school and home, young women’s groups and leading a secondary alternative provision in Clapton. I spent almost 7 years of my career in community transport – whilst this was not specific to children and young people, I did allow me to connect with the local community and enable people to access services through minibuses, when they could not get on mainstream public transport – which was a real eye-opener for me and I loved seeing the impact … that’s another one of my passions … impact!! The more people who can benefit from our services – the better!

Until now, all of my work has been in the Charity sector, working directly and indirectly with children and young people and their families, with over 15 years experience in senior management in national Charities / Social Enterprise (including Catch-22, Nacro, School-Home-Support and HCT Group). I am super excited about joining The Children’s Place and bringing all my skills and knowledge as well as learning new ones!

I love nothing more than spending time and connection with my 7 year old and husband – gardening, cycling, scooting, playing and just being a family unit … oh, and learning to be a mum – because our son is the best teacher and I have learnt to take nothing for granted and be patient from the master!

I am a great believer in self-care and making changes that enhance the life that I am living. I have been a pescatarian for 30 years. So, when I am not at work or trying to be the best mum possible, you can find me practising Pilates (which I have been doing for almost 20 years) … at weekly group meditation / a ‘Gong-bath and sound therapy session’, practising Yin Yoga, at the gym or on a juice fast!!