Beverley Tarka has been awarded an OBE in recognition of her exceptional contributions to adult social care and her advocacy for unpaid carers.
With a career spanning over 30 years - much of it at Haringey Council as the Director of Adults, Health & Communities - Beverley has been a powerful voice for inclusion, dignity, and support within the social care system.
Her personal experience caring for a family member with profound disabilities has shaped her commitment to the sector. As the former President of ADASS (Association of Directors of Adult Social Services), she championed the vital role of informal carers and pushed for meaningful support and recognition of their contributions, especially during the pandemic.
Her OBE honours a lifetime of dedication to improving lives and influencing national policy through compassion, leadership, as well as her own personal experiences.
Beverley’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Having been a resident in Tottenham, she began her career as a residential social worker in Haringey and eventually became a nationally recognised figure in the sector.
Her time as President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) further cemented her influence, where she helped shape national conversations around social care, championing dignity, equality, and person-centred support.
With a commitment to the borough she served, Beverley's work has left a lasting impact. From transforming local services to ensuring carers’ voices are heard loud and clear.
Her leadership, compassion, and decades of hands-on experience made her not only a pillar of the council but a role model for future leaders in health and social care.
Her legacy continues to inspire, proving what’s possible when public service is driven by purpose and heart.
