Barbara Van der Eecken
Barbara has 30 years’ experience in the FE and Skills sector, along with some experience within HE too. For 20 years she was a modern foreign languages lecturer and manager delivering A-Level, vocational and adult classes in Colleges and Adult Education. Barbara has held many senior leadership positions in both Colleges and large independent training providers. With a constant focus on quality and performance, she has led on multiple inspections across the devolved nations with good outcomes and led on external positive audits with Matrix Standards and Leaders in Safeguarding. She is also currently the chair of the Society for Education and Training (SET) Management Board and serves as observer of the Education and Training Foundation Board of Trustees.
Barbara's work is centred around the power of collaboration, reflection and action. She has a particular interest in developing, coaching, and mentoring practitioners and leaders across the sector, and wants to continue to champion Quality and Professionalism in FE and Skills, increasing collaborations across sectors leading to innovative, inclusive and successful teaching and learning, transforming people's lives and communities.
