Dr Barbara Van der Eecken brings more than 30 years of experience across the Further Education and Skills sector. Her career spans senior leadership roles in quality assurance, strategic performance improvement and cultural transformation, giving her deep insight into what enables colleges to deliver consistently high quality teaching, learning and learner experience.

As founder and director of BVDE Quality Solutions, Barbara works nationally with providers, boards and leadership teams to strengthen governance, curriculum design and organisational culture. She sits on several national training boards, contributing to sector wide thinking on quality, leadership and inclusive practice. In her role as a governor, she brings strategic challenge, constructive support and a strong commitment to equity, ensuring Walsall College continues to deliver ambitious, future focused education that meets the needs of its learners, employers and communities.

Barbara was appointed to the Corporation as an external governor in August 2024. She is currently one of the 2 Vice-Chairs of the Corporation and the Chair of the Learning & Quality Committee.