Barbara is a retired senior civil servant who worked with the Scottish Government for a number of years.  Latterly she was responsible for Communications, Ministerial Support and Facilities. Previously she was Director of People in Scottish Government, following a number of roles with the Scottish Prison Service.

She is a chartered accountant and has worked in both the private and public sector.

Barbara joined the Board of Scottish Ballet in 2019.  She is on the Committee of a charity organising an annual lunch raising funds for Scottish charities; on the Board of With Kids and is a member of Trades House (Glasgow) and sits on the Charity Committee there.

 She was awarded a CBE in the 2018 Birthday Honours List.