Helen Evans

Helen Evans is a distinguished keynote speaker and thought leader at the forefront of conversations around whistleblowing, autistic leadership, and workplace neurodiversity. As the first UK whistleblower to explore the profound connection between autism and whistleblowing, Helen offers a groundbreaking perspective on how neurodivergent individuals are uniquely positioned to challenge systemic failures and drive cultural change.In 2012, while serving as Head of Safeguarding at Oxfam GB, Helen uncovered widespread sexual abuse within the organization. Despite repeated efforts to raise concerns with leadership, the Charity Commission, and her MP, her warnings went unheard. When The Times’ exposé in 2018 finally validated her claims, Helen’s pivotal interview on Channel 4 News with Cathy Newman helped amplify the scandal, exposing sexual exploitation on a global scale by Oxfam staff and cementing Helen’s place as a determined whistleblower.The personal cost of her courage was immense, leading to forced relocation and PTSD, compounded by her work in high-risk conflict zones, including Gaza, Yemen, and South Sudan. Nevertheless, Helen’s testimony before MPs and the Charity Commission contributed to sweeping safeguarding reforms across the aid sector, earning her the prestigious UK Whistleblower Award for her unwavering commitment to justice.

Helen’s journey took another transformative turn after advocating for her autistic son led to her own late autism diagnosis. This pivotal moment sparked her groundbreaking work with Professor David Lewis investigating the intersection of autism and whistleblowing - a theory now gaining traction within the field. As one of the few openly autistic CEOs in the UK charity sector, Helen advocates for inclusive leadership and neurodiversity, making her a unique voice in leadership discourse.Her compelling story is featured in the award-winning documentary When We Speak, alongside the stories of Rose McGowan and Katharine Gun, shining a light on the courage of female whistleblowers. Helen has shared her insights on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, The Bottom Line, and at key conferences like The Marketing Society’s Bravest Conference, where her thought-provoking talks have inspired leaders across industries to consider the importance of transparency, ethical leadership, and inclusion.A skilled communicator, Helen’s speaking career began early, as she represented Durham University in national debating competitions and later became a member of the inaugural Jo Cox Women in Leadership Programme. These formative experiences have helped her to develop a powerful ability to communicate complex and often difficult topics with clarity and impact, making her a sought-after speaker for events that aim to challenge conventional thinking.Helen’s unique ability to intertwine personal experiences with actionable insights makes her a dynamic keynote speaker, particularly for organizations seeking to foster inclusive, ethical, and resilient cultures. She has received glowing testimonials, including from Cathy Newman, Journalist and Channel 4 News Presenter, Stephen Twigg, former Shadow Education Minister and Chair of the International Development Committee, and Fran Cassidy, Executive Producer of the Global Marketing Society Conference, who all attest to her powerful speaking and transformative impact.