Clare Poyner is an experienced social work leader with over 20 years’ service in local authority children’s social care, spanning frontline practice, senior operational management and national leadership roles. She is currently Principal Social Worker at Portsmouth City Council, where she provides strategic leadership for practice improvement, workforce development and learning across children’s services.
Throughout her career, Clare has combined a strong grounding in direct practice with system leadership, developing cultures where effective, compassionate social work can thrive. Her work has included leading large multidisciplinary services, overseeing front-door and safeguarding functions, and supporting authorities through inspection and improvement programmes.
A formative period of her career was serving as Co‑Chair of the National Principal Social Worker Network, where she worked collaboratively with senior professionals and national partners to strengthen social work practice and influence reform. This role deepened her insight into the pressures, resilience and commitment required of social workers across the country and reinforced her passion for recognising and valuing the profession.
Clare is particularly committed to celebrating the full breadth of social work roles. She brings a strong belief that outstanding practice is often demonstrated not only through innovation, but through consistent, relationship‑based work with children, adults, families and carers. Her commitment to recognition, appreciation and professional pride strongly aligns with the values of the Social Worker of the Year Awards.
As a Trustee, Clare offers deep operational knowledge of social care, a national perspective on workforce and practice, and a strong commitment to celebrating and championing social workers at every level of the profession