Medical Expert, Former Deputy Chief Executive & Chief Operating Officer of NHS England, Created the General Practitioner with Special Interest Role in the NHS & OBE Recipient
Dame Barbara Hakin’s Biography:
Dame Barbara Hakin is one of the most respected leaders in British healthcare, recognised for shaping modern NHS strategy and operational delivery across primary care, commissioning and national healthcare reform. Across more than four decades in the National Health Service, Barbara became known for combining frontline medical understanding with senior executive leadership, helping to transform how healthcare services are designed and delivered across England. She played a central role in the creation of NHS England and later served as Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing one of the largest and most complex healthcare systems in the world. Her ability to lead through periods of major organisational change, while remaining focused on patient outcomes and clinical innovation, has made her an influential figure in public service leadership. Barbara is hired as a keynote speaker for her expertise in healthcare transformation, strategic leadership, organisational change and building resilient systems under pressure.
Barbara officially qualified as a registered hospital medical doctor in 1975 and built her early career through frontline clinical practice before moving into healthcare leadership. In Bradford, she became Chair of a Primary Care Group and later Chief Executive of the newly established Bradford South and West Primary Care Trust. During this period, she was selected for national policy creation teams under the NHS Modernisation Board and created the pioneering ‘General Practitioner with Special Interest’ role, which became influential in developing specialist services within community healthcare. Barbara later became Chief Executive of East Midlands Strategic Health Authority and subsequently stepped in to concurrently lead the Yorkshire and Humber Strategic Health Authority. Her national influence continued when she joined the Department of Health to design and build the NHS Commissioning Board, later becoming Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer of NHS England. Following 41 years of NHS service, she retired from the organisation before taking on new advisory and board responsibilities.
Barbara’s achievements have been recognised across both healthcare and public service. She was awarded an OBE in recognition of her contribution to healthcare leadership and has frequently been invited to speak on healthcare reform, commissioning, leadership strategy and system transformation. Her experience leading large-scale operational change within the NHS has made her a sought-after commentator and conference speaker for healthcare organisations, leadership forums and policy events. Audiences value her practical insight into managing complex institutions, improving collaboration across services and navigating political, operational and financial challenges within public sector organisations.
Why Hire Dame Barbara Hakin?
Alongside her executive leadership career, Barbara has continued to influence healthcare strategy through advisory and board-level roles, including her appointment as a Non-Executive Board Member at IMPOWER consulting. Her perspective combines clinical expertise, operational management and national policy development, giving audiences access to lessons from every level of the healthcare system. Barbara is an exceptional keynote speaker for organisations seeking insight into leadership under pressure, innovation within large institutions and the future of healthcare delivery. Her presentations are informed by direct experience at the highest levels of the NHS and are valued for their clarity, authority and relevance to leaders managing change in complex environments.
Dame Barbara Hakin’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Dame Barbara Hakin’s remarkable career:
- 2020 – Appointed as a Non-Executive Board Member at IMPOWER consulting
- 2015 – Retired from the National Health Service after 41 years of service
- 2013 – Appointed Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer of NHS England
- 2010 – Joined the Department of Health to design and build the NHS Commissioning Board
- 2009 – Received OBE
- 2009 – Stepped in to concurrently run the Yorkshire and Humber Strategic Health Authority
- 2006 – Appointed Chief Executive of East Midlands Strategic Health Authority
- 2002 – Became Chief Executive of the newly established Bradford South and West Primary Care Trust
- 2000 – Selected for national policy creation teams under the NHS Modernisation Board
- 2000 – Created the pioneering role of “General Practitioner with Special Interest” (GPwSI)
- 1997 – Appointed Chair of a Primary Care Group (PCG) in Bradford
- 1975 – Officially qualified as a registered hospital medical doctor
Videos
Dame Barbara Hakin’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Dame Barbara Hakin is a highly respected keynote speaker who delivers expert insight into healthcare transformation, leadership, innovation and navigating change within complex organisations. With more than four decades of experience across the NHS and public service, she is sought after for her authoritative, practical and forward-thinking perspectives on the future of healthcare and effective leadership under pressure.” – David Simms
Speaking Topics
Dame Barbara Hakin’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Medicine
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Healthcare
How Much Does Dame Barbara Hakin Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Dame Barbara Hakin?
Dame Barbara Hakin’s speaking fees vary depending on the event format, location, duration and level of preparation required. For an accurate quote, please share your event date, location and brief with an official booking agent.