Monmouthshire County Council welcomes Claire Marchant as the new Chief Officer for Social Care, Safeguarding and Health. Claire will join the team in November. Claire is currently Head of Community Care and Commissioning for Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council. Claire came through a challenging and robust recruitment process and it was a rare combination of experience, enthusiasm and insight which led to her success.

Originally from Newport, Claire attended Cardiff University where she obtained a first class degree in politics. Claire began her public sector career in housing before spending 10 years in the National Health Service in a variety of strategic and operational roles.

Claire is committed to delivering services which offer a range of choices and promote independence. She has delivered a number of significant projects including the development of extra care housing, integrated community health and social care teams and a range of community based early intervention and prevention services. She joins the council at a challenging time and is keen to make a full contribution to advancing the organisations purpose of building sustainable resilient communities

Outside of work Claire is married with two young children. She likes to keep fit and enjoys live music, travel and socialising.

Chief executive Paul Matthews feels that Claire has the potential to be an outstanding chief officer and is a great addition to the leadership team. She will bring energy, fresh thinking and will be a tremendous advocate for the people and communities of Monmouthshire.

Councillor Geoff Burrows, cabinet member with responsibility for social care and health said, “We’re really looking forward to Claire joining our leadership team. I am sure that Claire will build on the great work that is already underway to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people in Monmouthshire.”

Claire can’t wait to start. “I join up on November 2 but will be looking to spend as much time as I can here before my start date. I’m really excited about the opportunity of working in such a beautiful place with a great team of people. There are plenty of challenges out there and I promise that I will give my all to help people live the life that they choose”