CLAIRE MCCOMB
Bulphan,Essex
Summary
30 years of professional experience, challenging oppression, promoting inclusion and always seeking ways to go above and beyond what is required to make lasting impact. I take pride in my exceptional integrity, leadership and problem-solving abilities.
Specializing in networking, partnership development and amplifying oppressed voices, with proven skills in training design and public speaking. Demonstrates leadership, operational efficiency, alongside expertise in risk assessment and management. Recognized for sharp problem-solving abilities and a commitment to driving meaningful improvements. Focused on leveraging these core competencies to advance organizational goals. Knowledgeable about collaborating with teams and managing multiple tasks under pressure. Ready to use and develop these skills in a Chief Executive Officer role.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
4033
4033
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Director of Mental Health Services
elop: LGBT+ Mental Health and Wellbeing
London
01.2007 - 09.2025
- Development and growth of elop's counselling services for LGBTQ+ individuals, youth and relationship clients
- Grew volunteer counsellor team from 20 to 56 - UK's largest LGBTQ+ counselling service
- Reduced service wait time from 5 months to 2 weeks
- Designated Safeguarding Officer
- Investigated and reported 2 significant safeguarding concerns to authorities
- Zero clients lost to suicide
- Coached staff on trauma experiences, presentation and prevention, reflecting trauma-informed approach
- Designed and delivered training for counsellors on LGBTQ+ experiences, including Bisexual Awareness, Working with Clients at Risk of Suicide, and Trans Awareness, among others
- Created and delivered bespoke training for external agencies, including LGBTQ+ Mental Health, Older LGBTQ+ Experiences, and Accommodations for LGBTQ+ Staff.
- Development and growth of HeadsOut, elop's mental health services for LGBTQ+ individuals and groups
- Presenting LGBTQ+ experiences, oppression and systemic barriers to care at strategic mental health partnership networks
- Established solid relationships across mainstream and LGBTQ+ focused services and organisations, which created funding and partnership opportunities
- Solidified elop's standing and regard within LGBTQ+ communities and east London's statutory and voluntary sectors
- Line management, performance management, upskilling and mentoring of staff along with reflective practice for professional development
- Creation of annual events to support LGBTQ+ communities and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ experiences
- Championed change initiatives for streamlined operations.
- Stayed abreast of latest research on LGBTQ+ experiences and best practice for culturally competent services
- Optimised data collation to support reporting to Management Board and funders
- Project managed key community listening and co-production events
Counselling Lead
elop: LGBT+ Mental Health and Wellbeing
London
01.2007 - 09.2025
- Coordination of elop's low-cost LGBTQ+ counselling service
- Grew the counselling team to meet demand
- Conducted client assessments, adopted a non-pathologising, client-centred approach to explore their difficulties, experiences, expectations and potential risk
- Designed and delivered assessment training for staff and volunteers, with a trauma-informed, intersectional approach
- Developed processes to improve the cycle of volunteer counsellor recruitment and induction
- Allocated clients to counsellors, considering their respective experience and compatibility
- Actively learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving service efficiency
- Worked reflexively within the busy pace of the service to adapt to unexpected challenges
- Ensured friendly, professional customer service even when handling sensitive or emotive situations
- Ensured service responsibilities were steadily progressed to deliver on responsibilities and service targets
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Used Microsoft package, Canva and other software tools to create documents and resources
- Responded to complaints and concerns with compassion and kindness to find resolutions
- Risk assessed clients raised as concern, following up with brief intervention and case management
- Created a CPD programme for our counsellors to augment their knowledge of our communities' particular experiences, for example, chem sex and addiction, bisexuality, and gender non-conformity, as well as others to enhance their skills, such as working with clients at risk of suicide
Lead Officer: Business Development
elop: LGBT+ Mental Health and Wellbeing
London
01.2007 - 09.2025
- Identified partnership opportunities with private, voluntary, statutory and corporate organisations
- Updated knowledge on LGBTQ+ experiences and statistics to develop a stronger case for support when networking
- Presented LGBTQ+ experiences at a range of strategic partnership meetings
- Responded to consultations ensuring inclusion of LGBTQ+ voices
- Responded promptly and effectively to emergencies using established protocols.
- Delivered top-notch service to visitors, enhancing their experience at the venue.
- Collaborated with colleagues for effective teamwork
- Created promotional materials, surveys and presentations in Canva
- Maintained high standards of personal conduct, contributing to a positive work environment.
- Improved team efficiency with regular training sessions.
- Assisted during special events and large-scale operations ensuring smooth running of activities.
- Wrote detailed reports, aiding in case documentation.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Kept abreast of new law enforcement techniques and methodology, maintaining strong knowledge of emerging industry advancements.
- Recruited and oriented new members to organisational policies and rules.
- Promoted budget adherence through periodic audits.
Sheltered Housing Manager
Springboard Housing Association
Redbridge
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Onsite management of a leasehold retirement scheme, predominantly populated with older Jewish people
- Managed cleaning, gardening and maintenance services
- Chaired resident meetings, ensuring all had opportunity to contribute and be heard
- Promoted communal harmony through mediation of resident conflict
- Developed strong relationships to foster a cooperative living environment
- Coproduced a calendar of social activities with residents that promoted positive tenant engagement with reduced isolation and improved cultural recognition
- Designated safeguarding lead onsite
- Resident health was a prominent factor due to the age demographics of residents
- Supported residents and their families through stroke, cancer and bereavement
- Conducted regular property inspections for maintenance of standards and adherence to safety regulations
- Supported residents to negotiate a favourable quote for boundary repairs
- Maintained accurate practical and financial records
- Performed internal audits on data protection, risk management and health and safety
Acting Hostel Manager
Northern Ireland Housing Executive
Belfast
01.2001 - 01.2006
- Temporary accommodation for homeless families
- Coordinated maintenance tasks of communal areas to ensure clean and welcoming spaces
- Supported new residents arrival and moving in: most families were fleeing domestic or political violence so it was important to ensure that the hostel felt safe
- Established safety protocols, ensuring a secure environment for guests
- Remained mindful of the potential trauma the adult and child/ren had experienced and their distrust of systems and authority
- Enforced restriction boundaries around the use of drugs and alcohol onsite
- Reported safety and safeguarding concerns
- Supported residents to maintain respectful relationships with each other
- Supported resolution of conflicts between guests
- Managed the hostel budget
- Streamlined check-in and check-out procedures to enhance guest experience
- Conducted property inspections to identify repairs and assess living conditions and areas for support
- Created a new staff rota, ensuring compliance with the European Working Time Regulation with adequate rest periods
- First responder in emergencies, trained to administer first aid
- Delivered a range of interventions in risk scenarios, including suicide prevention, domestic violence, child abuse and drug abuse
- Wrote end of shift reports to facilitate service continuity
LGBT+ Youth Support Worker
Twenty10
Sydney
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Caseload of 10-14 year old LGBTQ+ young people
- All young people in the housing support service were made homeless by their families due to their sexual or gender identity
- Provided mentoring and modelled positive behaviour and interpersonal skills
- Supported the young people in realising their aspirations and potential
- Taught life skills to support their transition into independent accommodation
- Designed and delivered educational workshops
- Developed individual care plans for each young person in my caseload that aimed to enhance personal growth, life and social skills
- Provided vocational guidance for career planning to support their independence
- Participated in staff meetings, offering reports on their development and support needs, along with any known or potential risk
- Enhanced self-esteem through positive reinforcement techniques
- Maintained detailed records of each case for regular case management reviews
- Built strong relationships with young people by providing emotional support and guidance
- Encouraged participation and engagement in planned activities.
- Attended regular training and supervision workshops for improved service user support
Project Officer
Cobra Security
Glengormley
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Fixed term contract to review, consolidate and formulate processes and procedures to obtain the ISO quality mark for the sector
- Conducted stakeholder meetings for reflections and insights on systems that worked and any suggested improvements
- Delivered timely results by coordinating with team members and stakeholders
- Improved project efficiency by monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments
- Maintained detailed reports for tracking project status
- Assured quality standards with meticulous attention to detail.
- Audit of current processes and systems
- Identified gaps and areas for improvements
- Implemented the improvements and developed staff training to ensure all could comply with the requirements
Activities Coordinator
Bright Horizons
Pittsburgh
01.1998 - 04.1998
- Brief three month programme that aimed to bring together young people from across the political divides in Northern Ireland on a shared opportunity to support vulnerable people in the USA, whilst exploring our political differences
- Supported residents in a nursing facility for people living with HIV, AIDS and other life-limiting conditions
- Co-produced a programme of activities including board games, shopping trips, theme parks and activism campaigns
- Streamlined scheduling for improved efficiency of my time to increase the number of activities
- Conducted regular assessments of each resident's needs, tailoring activities accordingly
- Boosted participation by creating engaging activities that could be inclusive of abilities with adaptations
- Fostered a positive environment through team-building exercises
Manager
Studio B Entertainment
Pittsburgh
01.1998 - 04.1998
- Entertainment agency for celebrations and events
- Promoted due to professional conduct
- Responsible for entertainer recruitment
- Identified market trends
- Negotiated with venues for access and accommodations
- Managed client complaints
- Streamlined information sharing, creating a company newsletter for enhanced internal communication
- Piloted change management initiatives successfully improving organisational adaptability
- Fostered a positive work environment
Care Assistant
Riverside Nursing Home
Antrim
01.1989 - 01.1991
- Providing personal care and physical support to elderly residents with dementia
- Encouraged independence whilst assisting with tasks
- Adhered to expected professional standards, policies and practice at all times
- Assisted daily living activities
- Followed strict dietary plans tailored for each resident
- Respected privacy and dignity of each resident
- Documented reports on daily observations, helping to track residents' progress or change over time
- Organised recreational activities
- Worked under clinical supervision
- Provided emotional support to residents, improving their mental wellbeing
- Helped with personal care tasks, promoting hygiene and cleanliness amongst residents
- Assisted in all aspects of personal care, retaining comfort and dignity
- Helped individuals with day-to-day activities while encouraging independence
- Monitored client health and reported concerns to the onsite manager
- Supported client treatment plans
Education
MSC - PSYCHOLOGY OF MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
University of Wolverhampton
WolverhamptonBSC (HONS) - SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
University of Ulster
ColeraineSkills
- Professional networking and partnership development
- Training design and delivery
- Public speaking
- Report writing
- Service development
- Risk assessment and management
- Leadership excellence
- Operational efficiency
- Empathy and compassion
- Exceptional problem solver
Custom
- L3 Designated/Deputy Safeguarding Lead Training, GIRES, London, 01/01/24
- Theory of Change, LGBT+ Consortium, London, 01/01/20
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Living Works, London, 01/01/21
Timeline
Director of Mental Health Services
elop: LGBT+ Mental Health and Wellbeing
01.2007 - 09.2025
Counselling Lead
elop: LGBT+ Mental Health and Wellbeing
01.2007 - 09.2025
Lead Officer: Business Development
elop: LGBT+ Mental Health and Wellbeing
01.2007 - 09.2025
Sheltered Housing Manager
Springboard Housing Association
01.2006 - 01.2007
Acting Hostel Manager
Northern Ireland Housing Executive
01.2001 - 01.2006
LGBT+ Youth Support Worker
Twenty10
01.1999 - 01.2000
Project Officer
Cobra Security
01.1998 - 01.1999
Activities Coordinator
Bright Horizons
01.1998 - 04.1998
Manager
Studio B Entertainment
01.1998 - 04.1998
Care Assistant
Riverside Nursing Home
01.1989 - 01.1991
MSC - PSYCHOLOGY OF MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
University of Wolverhampton
BSC (HONS) - SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
University of Ulster
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