Barbara Van der Eecken

BVDE Quality Solutions Ltd

Stourbridge Business Consulting and Services Team of 1

Business Coach of the Year Award
Women in Education Leadership Award

About Barbara

For me, education is ultimately about people. My work has focused on helping leaders, educators and organisations become more effective, inclusive and ambitious for those they serve. I aim to bring warmth, challenge and authenticity to every conversation, creating environments where people can grow in confidence and realise their potential. The greatest measure of success is seeing others flourish: leaders who step into difficult decisions with confidence, teams that work more collaboratively and learners who benefit from stronger, more inclusive educational experiences. My contribution is not defined by a job title, but by the positive and lasting impact I leave with the people I work alongside.

Barbara's video

A video from Barbara is coming soon.

Proudest achievements

My proudest achievement is becoming the kind of leader I needed earlier in my own career.
I know what it feels like to doubt yourself, to navigate change and to wonder whether your voice belongs in the room. Because of that, I've always been passionate about creating opportunities for others, particularly women and emerging leaders, to build confidence, find their voice and step into their potential.
When I look back on my career, it is not the projects or positions that stand out. It is the people. The leader who found the confidence to apply for promotion. The colleague who discovered strengths they didn't see in themselves. The organisations that became more inclusive because someone was prepared to ask difficult questions and listen carefully to the answers. Knowing I have played a small part in those journeys is what makes me most proud.

People's Choice

25 days left to vote

Business Coach of the Year Award

7 votes

Women in Education Leadership Award

6 votes

It takes a few seconds and counts straight away.

Find Barbara online

Website LinkedIn BVDE Quality Solutions Ltd on LinkedIn

In Barbara's own words

With over 30 years in Further Education and Skills, I work with leaders, colleges and training providers to raise standards, develop capability and navigate the complexity of the sector. Key areas of expertise: -Leadership & Governance: strategic leadership, management, governance -Coaching & Development: coaching, mentoring, Pacific Institute facilitation, BluePrint Toolset diagnostic surveys -Quality & Education: quality assurance and development, inspection/Matrix/audit readiness, Innovation in Teaching, Learning and Assessment, apprenticeships -Modern Foreign Languages training and translation: French and Italian Passionate about People, Education & the World Connector, Thinking Partner, Change Maker, Growth Catalyst Life-Long Learner I create space for: Reflection: Pausing, seeking clarity and gaining insight. Self-Care: Providing resources for personal well-being. Innovation: Encouraging strategic and creative thinking. Authenticity: Embracing our humanity. Note : All views on this site are my own more information, go to my website: www.bvde.co.uk or DM me

From Barbara's LinkedIn profile.

Why your vote matters

Behind every nomination is someone who keeps turning up, day after day, often when nobody is watching. Barbara is one of those people. Your vote takes a few seconds. It tells Barbara that the work has been seen, that it matters, and that people are proud of it. For a nominee, that can be the moment that makes the whole year.

Help Barbara win

The People's Choice goes to the nominee with the most votes. Voted already? Send this page to three people who know Barbara: that is how nominees win.

WhatsApp LinkedIn Facebook X

Posting it? Download an image for Instagram or for LinkedIn.

People's Choice

25 days left to vote

Business Coach of the Year Award

7 votes

Women in Education Leadership Award

6 votes

It takes a few seconds and counts straight away.

People's Choice

25 days left to vote

Business Coach of the Year Award

7 votes

Women in Education Leadership Award

6 votes

It takes a few seconds and counts straight away.

Barbara's road to the ceremony

Nominated
Nominated on 2 November 2026
People's Choice voteYou are here
25 days left to vote
Shortlist announced
The judges choose the finalists
The awards ceremony
Thursday, 26 Nov 2026 at National Conference Centre, Birmingham B92 0EJ

Every vote now carries Barbara one step closer to that stage.

The people behind Barbara

1 person has left a message of support.

“Hi Sending best wishes for you to win 🤞⭐️ Bee”
A supporter

Messages appear once checked against our community guidelines.

Join them: vote and leave a message