Clare Sumner CBE – Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer, Premier League
Clare Sumner is the Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer overseeing the Premier League’s community investment using the power of football to give young people inspiration, opportunity and helping them succeed both on and off the pitch. The Premier League is more than 90 minutes on the pitch; it is more than a game.
Clare is also responsible for the Premier League’s policies including working with Clubs on diversity, sustainability and matchday safety. Clare also manages the relationships with external stakeholders including Government, the new Independent Football Regulator, and the police. Clare sponsors the Premier League’s women’s network.
Previously Clare spent ten years at the BBC, most recently as the BBC’s Policy Director leading on government relations at UK and EU levels and the relationship with the BBC’s regulator, Ofcom. Clare was the executive lead on Disability and helped set up a BBC Carers network.
Clare started her career in the Civil Service as a press officer and subsequently held a number of senior roles including managing the Criminal Courts and working in the heart of Government both in the Cabinet Office and as Private Secretary to the Prime Minister leading on the legislative programme and Prime Minister’s Questions.
Clare is a working mum and in any spare time enjoys yoga. Clare has also held board level positions as a NED/trustee in the charity sector, the NHS and as the Chair of the Governance and Nominations Committee a King’s College, London.