Barraclough's film Gale is Dead (1971) was one of the first to draw attention to young homeless and drug addicts and contributed to the establishment of a House of Commons committee.
Barraclough also produced films on the arts, including one on the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and a major series on the London Symphony Orchestra in 1986.
Films for BBC World have included projects on leprosy (2001), vaccination (2004), and international efforts to prevent the spread of avian flu.
Barraclough was trustee and Chairman of the Grierson Trust which plays a leading role in supporting the quality documentary in the UK at a time when it is threatened by ratings and other commercial imperatives.
The Academy helps outstanding young musicians reach international standard and encourages classical music in some of London’s less privileged schools.