Claire Cannings

Claire Cannings is Director of Quality and Clinical Governance at Exemplar Health Care.

A Registered Nurse and experienced healthcare leader, Claire holds a BSc (Hons) in Adult Nursing, a Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Strategy and Leadership, and qualifications in Lean methodology, Kaizen, and Six Sigma.

She’s also trained in respiratory management and ventilators, and is registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Claire brings more than 20 years’ experience across the NHS and social care in the UK and Australia.

She joined Exemplar Health Care as a Unit Manager in 2012 and has progressed through a number of senior leadership roles, including Home Manager, Regional Director of Operations, Commissioning Director, and Operations Director for The Exemplar Way and Professional Education.

Today, Claire leads our approach to quality, safety, clinical governance, and continuous improvement.

She also leads work on our clinical deterioration strategy, collaborating with universities and clinical partners to improve early identification and intervention for adults living with complex needs, helping to reduce avoidable hospital admissions.

Claire has extensive experience in operational leadership, regulatory compliance, professional education, and service transformation, including leading Exemplar Health Care’s first-ever ‘Outstanding’-rated service with Care Quality Commission (CQC).

She’s also played a key role in shaping initiatives such as The Exemplar Way and our professional education framework, supporting our mission to make every day better for adults living with complex needs.

Teamwork is my favourite value because, throughout my career as both a qualified nurse and senior leader, I’ve seen how the best outcomes happen when people feel supported, trusted, and able to work together.

Strong teamwork not only improves care for the people we support, but also creates a positive environment where colleagues can thrive.