National Assembly’s new Chief Executive takes up her post

The new Chief Executive and Clerk of the National Assembly will start her new post on Monday February 12. Claire Clancy, outgoing Chief Executive of Companies House, said she was very excited about her new role:  “I’m really looking forward to starting work with the National Assembly,” she said. “In just a few months, following the Assembly elections, we will have the start of the Third Assembly and the introduction of new powers under the Government of Wales Act. It’s an historic period for the Assembly and for Wales, and a really exciting time to be joining the team.” Welcoming the appointment, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, Assembly Presiding Officer and Chair of the Shadow Commission, said: “I am delighted that Claire is joining us as we begin the challenge of building an Assembly ready to make full use of its new powers. Claire has an excellent track-record in public service and I am confident that she will do a great job as we take the Assembly forward into the next stage of devolution.” Notes to Editors:

1. The post of Chief Executive and Clerk is a new position and was filled by open competition. The Assembly’s Shadow Commission, with advice from independent consultants, comprised the appointment panel, and its recommendation was passed by the full Assembly. The post covers three elements: Chief Executive of the Assembly Commission, Accounting Officer and Clerk to the National Assembly for Wales.
2. The Assembly Commission will be a new organisation from May 2007, created by the Government of Wales Act. Assembly Commission staff will not be part of the civil service.
3. Claire Clancy began her career in the Civil Service in 1977. Her most recent postings were at the Patent Office, where she was Secretary and Director of Administration and Resources between two stints at Companies House; firstly as Director of Policy and Planning in 1996-97, then returning as Chief Executive and Registrar of Companies for England and Wales in 2002. Claire took a career break from 1997-99 to accompany her husband on a posting to St Helena. While there, she did work for the St Helena Development Agency and the United Nations Development Programme, as well as teaching business studies.