Irene joined the Department in September 2009. Her remit covers Local Government finance, policy and performance, and regeneration. From 15 June, Irene will be interim Permanent Secretary of CLG, until a permanent replacement is made.

Prior to joining the Communities Department, Irene worked as Chief Executive of South Tyneside Council. She has had a long successful career in local government, spanning 34 years and a variety of local authorities. She is renowned for her passion for the improvement agenda in localities in collaboration with others.

Irene has held a number of public appointments including the BBC and the Sports Council of England and has worked with the FA, Premier League, Department of Culture Media and Sport and Sport England, to redistribute television rights funding to grass roots soccer across the UK.