Get to Know Clare Parker Group Director of Surveying Services

With more than 30 years of experience in property and finance, Clare Parker brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership and purpose to her role as Director of Group Surveying at Innovus.

Clare joined Innovus in May 2024 as National Director of Surveying and was promoted to Group Director within months. A real reflection of her immediate impact. She now leads the national group surveying team of over 50 surveyors and managers across the Innovus, Arnold and Baldwin and Chesterton’s brands. In her first year alone, her teams have delivered over 300 projects across residential and commercial property, with the introduction of a new product line in drone surveys.

Clare’s career spans three decades, with a background that covers valuation, construction mediation, asset management and advisory roles across both public and private sectors. She has led regional and national teams, supported client-side strategy, and delivered professional services across the energy sector, housing, development and corporate portfolios.

After several enjoyable years working in the banking sector, Clare had gained strong experience in business, lending, marketing and customer service. However, she realised that an office-based role was not the right fit for her long-term career. Rather than working with financial products, she wanted something practical and hands-on with properties—something technical and well-respected.

Alongside her early career in banking, Clare had already bought, improved, rented and sold several residential properties. She hadn’t gone to university at the time, preferring to work and earn while she figured out her direction. Over time, it became clear that property interested her far more than finance. Surveying offered the ideal mix of technical challenge, site-based work and professional growth. It was varied, rewarding, and part of a profession where learning never stops.

Although the idea of going to university full-time in her late twenties was daunting, Clare was ready for the change. She made the move into surveying and never looked back.

When Clare began her career, the industry looked very different. Surveying was rarely promoted as a career option at school or college, especially to women. She was the only woman on her degree course, and at her first surveying firm, there was just one female surveyor at Senior Director level. Whilst more women were starting to enter the profession at junior levels, senior roles were still overwhelmingly male. Clare saw this as an opportunity. While some of the older, more traditional voices were sceptical about women progressing in the field, she also found strong support from others who welcomed change.

“Back then, it wasn’t unusual to be asked in an interview if I was planning on having children soon – I was 30 at the time. I remember turning the question around and asking whether being a parent made him a better or worse surveyor. He didn’t have an answer, but I got the job! It was a different time, and you had to be ready to hold your ground. Things have moved on since then, but I do think it’s important to share these stories as it shows how much progress has been made, and why it matters.”

On reflection, Clare believes that, generally, she has benefitted from positive discrimination from clients throughout her career, often by standing out in a crowd at client meetings and business development events. She credits her progress to consistently evidencing her ability through hard work and relationship building.

Clare achieved RICS status in two years, became an Associate Director two years after qualifying, and was Director just a year later, after building a valuation department and small team that enhanced revenue in a new market. She was then headhunted to join a large national practice as a Partner, just 5 years after completing her degree.

Clare advocates that this type of route is open to anyone who is hard-working and passionate about what they do, and able to prove themselves in the Surveying profession.

“When I started out, I wasn’t the most obvious candidate—I didn’t follow a traditional route and entered the industry a little later. But surveying rewards those who put the effort in. If you’re prepared to work hard, ask questions, and back yourself, there’s absolutely a place for you.”

Now in an executive leadership role, Clare helps create the kind of environment she would have valued early in her career. She leads by example and works to ensure that others have the support and access they need to succeed.

At Innovus, Clare has focused on building a consistent and high-performing surveying function. She has integrated several teams, introduced clear delivery standards, and helped shape a culture where people are supported to do their best work, by her and each other.

Clare is a long-standing mentor and advocate for new talent. She supports colleagues through RICS routes, opens doors for those joining from other sectors, and takes a hands-on role in building confidence and capability.

“To attract people from a diverse range of backgrounds, employers must invest in inclusive recruitment, mentorship, and structured development opportunities that unlock potential and encourage long-term retention.”

It is this thinking has led to practical changes at Innovus. Clare has introduced financial support for RICS fees, formal mentoring, and regular outreach through university careers events. Several of her former mentees now hold senior roles across the industry.

Outside of work, Clare lives in the countryside with her family and rescue dog, where she runs a smallholding and enjoys life outdoors. It’s a very different world from the boardroom, but for Clare, that balance is part of what keeps her grounded.