Helen Evans

Helen Evans is a standout speaker who, for years, hasn’t been afraid to raise her voice to put an end to injustice. Initially working as Oxfam GB’s Head of Safeguarding, she became aware of the widespread sexual abuse within the organisation that was consistently being hidden from the public eye. Though nobody would hear her out – neither the Oxfam Leadership or the Charity Commission – Helen refused to give in. And thus, following The Times’ exposé in 2018, Helen bravely agreed to a pivotal interview with Channel 4 News’ Cathy Newman that would reshape the course of whistleblowing forever.

In terms of her speaking career, Helen got quite the head start. Initially, she represented Durham University in nationwide debating competitions, before becoming a member of the inaugural Jo Cox Women in Leadership Programme. From these experiences, she was able to flourish into a skilled speaker whose careful approach to sensitive topics made her the perfect person to challenge convention in a clear and unapologetic way. Instead of giving in to the PTSD that she developed following the backlash of whistleblowing and her time spent working in some of the world’s most high-risk zones, Helen became a figurehead for fighting injustice.

Helen’s journey didn’t end here, however. For years, Helen spent her time advocating for her autistic son when not delivering presentations on whistleblowing and responsible leadership. During this time, she was also diagnosed with autism, which greatly shifted her perspective. A perspective that she would investigate with Professor David Lewis to map out the connections between autism and whistleblowing. This theory has already began gaining momentum, with many autistic individuals starting to defy the 'bystander effect' and call out wrong-doings in ways they may have never found themselves able to before.

As one of few openly autistic CEOs, Helen Evans is an exemplary woman who has never let injustice get the better of her. Not only did she become the catalyst for widespread safeguarding improvements, but she’s developed into a spokesperson for the value of neurodivergent leadership. The worldwide perspective of leadership is changing, and Helen hopes to help us understand the neurodivergence within it on a much deeper level. Her fascinating story has been featured in the award-winning documentary “When We Speak”, and she has keenly shared her experiences and insights with the likes of BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, The Bottom Line, and at conferences such as The Marketing Society’s Bravest Conference. Owner of the UK Whistleblower Award, Helen is a speaker whose fascinating journey is bound to embolden any event. Book Helen Evans today if you too are fascinated by the connection between whistleblowing and neurodivergence.