Clorinda Mary Goodman

Current Employer/Organisation Name

The Policy Studio

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Initially I returned to legal practice. Then I did a PhD in Politics at Bristol University. Next I specialised in planning policy law in the public sector for five years. Then I taught Public Law on the GDL at Moorgate. Then I held several long-term locum planning posts (Guildford & Penrith). Finally I was a consultant advising on Housing, credit and social cohesion for the States of Guernsey, publishing a 30,000 word report for them in 2018.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy the cross-over between Law and Politics, and the challenge of implementing policy in a practical way. I like to solve problems using the law, not just theorise about them. I also like learning (and working) in modern foreign languages, as it adds a fresh perspective on many issues.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I did some singing, both in the University Chapel Choir and in the Brandon Hill Singers. I was on the staff/student committee in the department for a short time.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

Spending an Erasmus term on an exchange with Salamanca University in Spain. There we studied in Spanish with other native speakers, and learnt about South American history, politics, economics, sociology, anthropology etc. It was hard being taught by Spanish speakers from different Latin American countries with very different accents.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

It was such a beautiful place, and a wonderful break from my previous legal career and bringing up my own children. I met some lovely people amongst my fellow students, and many of us are still in touch after over 20 years.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

Because it offered an MA which allowed me to catch up on EU affairs, but also to study in Spain. It was a refreshing change from my previous twenty year career as a solicitor. Originally I read Politics & Sociology at Durham over 20 years earlier, and wanted to understand how things had changed. The course gave me that opportunity at Masters level.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Being able to express myself clearly in writing. Developing my powers of analysis. Being willing to learn new things continuously, and not remain stuck in a comfortable rut. Being open-minded about people of all types and ages that I met both professionally and socially. Being able to sing at a high level in six languages, so I could sing in Spain as well.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Ideally you need a double set of qualifications in law and politics, and to keep them constantly updated. You need to welcome the constant intellectual challenge, and be ready to meet inevitable changes throughout your adult life. Be open to new experiences and work hard. It’s well worth it for the satisfaction it brings, as well as any monetary rewards.

What are your plans for the future?

Mainly retirement now! But I maintain a number of intellectual pursuits, like learning German for the last few years. I am a trained Guide in a mediaeval Cathedral, and also do some stone carving and exhibit work occasionally. I keep a watchful eye on developments in planning law, and have done some pro-bono advice for community groups.