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The Institute of Economic Development (iED) has appointed Clare Elliott as a new member of its Board, strengthening its leadership with extensive experience in local government economic growth, skills and regeneration.
Clare brings more than seven years’ experience as Service Director for Economic Growth and Skills at Wakefield Council where she has built a career rooted in place, people and long-term regeneration. Her professional journey began through a fast-track route into local government and has remained firmly grounded in her passion for supporting communities through skills, learning and inclusive economic growth.
Her career spans senior roles across economic development and corporate strategy, working closely with politicians and officers across West Yorkshire. A strong advocate for economic development becoming a statutory local authority function, Clare argues that its current non-statutory status leaves it vulnerable to funding reductions, recruitment freezes and workforce instability. She has consistently highlighted the preventive impact of economic development in reducing long-term costs in areas such as health and social care, making the case for its recognition as an essential public service rather than an optional activity.
A member of the iED since 2018, Clare describes it as the leading professional body for economic development, particularly valuing its cross-sector membership that spans local government, private consultancies, developers and business leaders.
Clare said: “I hold the iED in the highest regard and have greatly valued its pioneering policy work, the calibre and diversity of its membership and the professionalism of its events programme. I am motivated by the opportunity to strengthen the Institute with my professional perspective, while learning from peers and sharing Wakefield’s regeneration journey. Good governance and constructive challenge make a real difference, and I am delighted to contribute my experience to the iED Board.”
Tom Stannard, Chair of the iED, said: “We are delighted to welcome Clare to the iED Board. She brings real strategic insight and a strong commitment to inclusive and people-centred economic development. Her experience across place-based leadership and skills development will be a significant asset to the Institute as we continue to champion high standards, professional excellence and collaborative solutions across the sector.”
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Contact: Jac Jordan, Institute of Economic Development PR consultant, Tel: 01706 214 340/ 07887 416 182, email: jac@vivapr.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Institute of Economic Development (iED) is the UK’s leading independent professional body representing economic development and regeneration practitioners. Established over 40 years ago, the iED’s key objective is to represent the interests of economic development practitioners and ensure their views are widely expressed and noted. The iED is committed to demonstrating the value of economic development work for local and regional communities; the pursuit of best practice in economic development and the attainment of the highest standards of professional conduct and competence.
