175 years of PwC
Clare Matterson CBE
Clare Matterson CBE was with PwC between 1994 and 1999, where she was responsible for the UK higher education practice. On leaving the firm she has had a varied career in science engagement and strategy development.
Background
Clare was at PwC between 1994 and 1999, as a principal associate consultant responsible for the UK higher education practice. She worked on projects both in the UK and overseas, including a review of governance for the University of Oxford, evaluations of EU education initiatives, and management reviews of all universities in Hong Kong.
Science has always been a focus of Clare’s career - she has a degree in Zoology from Oxford University and on leaving PwC she joined the Wellcome Trust. At Wellcome, she took on a number of roles including establishing the Wellcome Collection as a new art/science venue in London. She worked at the Natural History Museum as its Director of Engagement and since 2022 has been Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society. She is a member of the Natural Environmental Research Council and is active in her local community chairing the First Light Festival that has a focus on the regeneration of Lowestoft. Clare was awarded a CBE for services to public engagement with science in the Birthday Honours in 2015.
What is your fondest memory of your time at PwC?
The one thing that really stood out at PwC was the teamwork. I really enjoyed and learned from so many different people because of the focus on pulling together as a team – there was lots of serious work, but lots of fun and laughter as well.
What did you learn during your time at PwC that you still keep with you today?
I learned about the importance of great training and development at just the right time in your career – when you have had enough experience, but not too much! This was the inspiration when I left PwC to set up the UK’s National STEM Learning Centre which provides science teachers high quality science professional development and played a key role in improving science education outcomes in the UK.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions however silly they may seem.
"I really enjoyed and learned from so many different people because of the focus on pulling together as a team – there was lots of serious work, but lots of fun and laughter as well.”
Clare Matterson CBE
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