Claire Parkinson

Claire Parkinson is a British-Australian executive, author, and former prison governor. She has been profiled in UK and Australian media in connection with her memoir SHiTTY GRiT and her career spanning prisons, government and the resources sector. She is also associated with a governance review known as the Parkinson Report, which was reported in connection with moves to phase out gendered courtesy titles for surgeons in Australia.

Early life Parkinson grew up in Haverhill, Suffolk. She has described becoming homeless and pregnant as a teenager, later recounting these events in SHiTTY GRiT.

Corporate career Parkinson has been reported in connection with leadership and transformation work in the resources sector, including roles associated with OZ Minerals and its integration into BHP following BHP's acquisition of OZ Minerals in 2023. Industry disclosures and market announcements have also reported executive appointments at OZ Minerals during this period.

Author and public speaking In 2025, SHiTTY GRiT was reported as a memoir recounting Parkinson's early life and career across prisons and industry.

Parkinson has also been listed as a keynote speaker at industry events including AusIMM's International Women's Day event series (Adelaide, 2024). Other event listings have named her as a speaker, including the WA Mining Club (2025) and the Queensland Resources Council's Resources Awards for Women (2026).