Claire Dodds – Director (Strategy & Partnerships)
Claire is a strategic and commercially experienced leader who brings structure, direction and partnership expertise to I Love North Shields CIC.
With over 20 years’ experience working across healthcare, business and national organisations, Claire has built her career around developing strategy, leading teams and working with partners to turn ideas into real, lasting impact. She has extensive experience working with senior stakeholders across the NHS and wider public sector, building trusted relationships and supporting the delivery of large-scale, system-wide initiatives.
At ILNS, Claire focuses on helping shape the organisation’s growth, supporting the transition from a grassroots community platform into a sustainable, scalable organisation that can deliver meaningful change across North Shields and beyond.
She works closely with partners across the public, private and community sectors to:
- Build strong, collaborative relationships
- Identify opportunities for growth and funding
- Support local businesses and creatives
- Help bring community-led ideas to life
Claire is passionate about creating opportunities that connect people, place and purpose, and believes that the strength of a community comes from the people within it.
A Personal Connection to North Shields
Claire lives in North Shields with her fiancé Mark and has strong family roots across the river in South Shields, where her dad, Keith, is originally from and still based.
Being part of the local community is hugely important to her, and she brings both a personal and professional commitment to supporting the town’s growth, identity and future.
What Claire Brings to ILNS
Claire brings a balance of:
- Strategic thinking and long-term planning
- Strong partnership and stakeholder experience
- Commercial awareness and sustainability focus
- A collaborative and people-first approach
She plays a key role in ensuring ILNS continues to grow in a way that stays true to its roots, while building the structure and partnerships needed to support long-term impact. She is particularly focused on positioning ILNS as a trusted partner to support local priorities — helping connect strategy with meaningful, community-led delivery.
Claire says
“Communities already have the energy and ideas, they just need the right structure, support and opportunity to bring them to life.”
Looking Ahead
Claire is focused on supporting ILNS to grow its reach and impact — strengthening partnerships, unlocking opportunities and helping position North Shields as a place of culture, pride and possibility.
Contact: clairedodds@ilovenorthshields.com
