Speakers

Claire worked in marketing for many years, and relocated to Cornwall in 1999, and delivered the marketing for the county’s biggest law firm. Coodes were established in 1700, with the mission statement ‘being part of the community of which we serve’ which became the USP for the marketing strategy that she created (with no budget). During that time she realised that supporting the local community, offering volunteering, working with schools and colleges, pro bono support etc created feel good stories, driven by the local people …but also realised that there were major HR benefits too, bring apprentices in, offering work experience and staff morale improved. She was then approached by Cornwall Community Foundation who wanted to engage with private sector and together they created the Cornwall 100 Club. A philanthropic membership group – 100 businesses, giving £100 a month but offering real tangible business benefits in return. The Foundation offered her a position within the charity and she built the membership to over 85 businesses, from Rick Stein, to St Austell brewery and also sole traders. In 2012, the Social Value Act came into force so Claire set up as a ESG/CSR consultant and found her experience of working with private sector and charity sector helped to build bridges. She continues to be a trustee of Glos. Community foundation and sits on the board of the Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce and has created two exciting initiatives for the Chamber: 1. Together Glos. – working with heads of procurement in the county to understand how the process has changed – impact of Social Value, carbon footprint and the need for shorter more resilient supply chains and, 2. Business and Education platform – working with schools and business to create a platform that businesses can list what they can offer and schools can list what they need (from CV writing skills, to interview technique, work placements etc). Two months ago, Claire joined Galliford Try and is really enjoying the transition back into employment and working in the construction sector and at last … Social Value is …valued!