Claire Holdcroft is an Educational Developer at the University of Staffordshire with extensive experience in higher education leadership, curriculum enhancement and academic development. She works with academic teams across disciplines to support innovative teaching, inclusive assessment and the effective integration of emerging technologies into learning and teaching.
With a professional background spanning healthcare, further education and higher education, Claire brings a collaborative and practice-based approach to educational development. She has held leadership roles including Associate Dean, Lead Liaison and Senior Lecturer, supporting programme design, quality enhancement and staff development across a range of subject areas.
Claire is currently undertaking a Professional Doctorate in Business Administration at the University of Staffordshire, where her research explores policy enactment and institutional logics in higher education. Her wider interests include artificial intelligence, educational leadership and curriculum transformation, with a focus on developing evidence-informed approaches that enhance both staff practice and the student experience.
Professional memberships and activities
- BERA Membership
- Association of Higher Education Professionals, Fellow.
- Advance HE
Academic qualifications
- Professional Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) (currently studying), University of Staffordshire
- Master of Arts (MA) in Education, University of Staffordshire
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), University of Staffordshire
- Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) in Midwifery Practice, University of Staffordshire
Expertise
Claire's expertise spans educational development, curriculum design and enhancement, and learning, teaching and assessment within higher education. She has a particular interest in the effective integration of artificial intelligence into education, supporting academic staff to develop innovative, inclusive and evidence-informed practices. Her research and professional practice focus on policy enactment and institutional logics, educational leadership, digital pedagogy, academic regulations, quality enhancement and student success. With a background in health and social care education, she also has extensive experience in academic practice, professional development and creating engaging learning environments that respond to the evolving needs of students and educators.
Research interests
Claire's research interests include artificial intelligence in higher education, AI literacy, policy enactment, institutional logics, educational leadership and curriculum transformation. She is particularly interested in how policy is interpreted and implemented within higher education institutions, and how emerging technologies can support inclusive, evidence-informed teaching, learning and assessment practices. Her work also explores academic development, digital pedagogy, quality enhancement and the relationship between organisational change and educational innovation.
Publications
Holdcroft, C. L. (2025). Repositioning digital literacy: ethics, pedagogy, and student voice. Journal of Vocational Research and Practice, 1(2).
Holdcroft, C. L. (2019). Mental health of FE lecturers in lesson observations. MA Dissertation, University of Staffordshire.
Holdcroft, C. L. (2018). Emotional intelligence in education leadership and management. University of Staffordshire.
Holdcroft, C. L. (2018). LGBTQ in the classroom. University of Staffordshire.
Jarrett, C. (2010). Caring for midwives, past and present. The Practising Midwife.
Jarrett, C. (2010). NHS midwives: Giving their all. Midwifery Matters.
Jarrett, C. (2009). Maternal mental health. Midwifery Matters.
Jarrett, C. (2008). Journey to Midwifery and ARM. Midwifery Matters.