Barbara Deacon-Hegdes
Barbara is a Senior Performance Auditor for the Audit Commission, specialising in social care. She is a qualified social worker and practice teacher, having spent over 15 years working in social services, including setting up the UK's first integrated education/training/workscheme for severely mentally ill people. She has an MBA and a PhD. She is also a Magistrate and a visiting lecturer at several universities in creative social work solutions.
Work History
- Barbara Deacon-Hedges Consultancy Ltd.
- Senior Performance Auditor for the Audit Commission, specialising in social care. Also leads on Corporate Assessment, Joint Area Reviews and other multi-inspectorate reviews 1999 to present.
- PACT Community Projects to initiate an integrated education, training and work project for people with profound mental health needs. Pilot project was established and service methodology has spread across the country 1989 - 1999
- Seconded to Special Needs Careers, Surrey County Council, to promote vocational access for children with additional needs
- Various residential and field social work posts1980 - 1986
Membership of Boards
- Non Executive Director and Trustee of Richmond Fellowship
- Former Trustee and Chair of Care Co-ops, a mental health charity and social enterprise
Professional memberships/qualifications
- Certificate in Social Work - West London Institute 1982 CCETSW
- Approved Social Worker award - West London Institute 1886 CCETSW
- Practice Teaching Award Portsmouth Polytechnic 1991 CCETSW
- Diploma in Management Studies (Credit) University of Brighton 1994
- Master in Business Administration University of Brighton 1996
- Certificate in Research Methods at University of Brighton
- PhD in Accountability Structures