Barbara Spooner, MBE
Former Head of Communications Data Unit
National Crime Agency (UK)
Barbara Spooner MBE led and served in Specialist Operations (Human Intellgence) within the national and international policing environments, Territorial Policing, and National Serious and Organized Crime for more than 30 years. During this time Barbara was a national executive lead for women in policing. She has extensive senior leadership experience in covert operations, operational leadership, program management and capacity building. In 2014, her work was recognized, and she was honored with a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her outstanding contribution to both leadership for women in law enforcement and services to covert intelligence operations.
Barbara’s specialist operations work saw her delivering international projects, chairing a covert global task force of 22 countries for five years (including five eyes) and eventually commanding the National Crime Agency Communications Data Unit. This included holding a leading role in the UK for implementation of new legislation. Academically, Barbara holds a Bachelor’s in Leadership and Management, and a post graduate Master’s Certificate in International Policy Development.
