Speakers

Claire has been CEO of NASS since 2005. She leads the organisation developing strategy, representing the membership and influencing national policy. NASS currently represents over 450 special schools in the Non-Maintained, Independent and Academy sectors. NASS supports research and professional development within the sector. Recent projects have looked at the social impact of special needs provision, staff retention and recruitment and the use of AI in special schools.

With a degree in psychology, Claire’s career includes a research psychologist post in the NHS, lecturer position at the University of Birmingham and a leadership role within the Department for Education.

In 2022, she was awarded an OBE for services to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.