Leslie Evans

Leslie Evans joined Action for Children's Board of Trustees in August 2022.

Working in local government for 20 years developing, managing and delivering services to the public in both England and Scotland, Leslie joined the UK civil service in 2000.

In 2015 she became the first woman to be appointed Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government, Scotland’s most senior civil servant and principal policy adviser to the First Minister and her Cabinet, representing Scotland and Scotland’s interests at the highest level in UK and internationally.

After 7 years as Scotland’s most senior civil servant, Leslie established her own company - Seahorse Coaching.

She is now as a qualified Executive Coach and facilitator, working with senior leaders from the public, private and third sectors throughout the UK , and operating as an Associate Coach for several agencies. She also volunteers as a coach for the UK charity Smart Works, helping women back into work.

Leslie chairs Action for Children’s Scottish Committee and also sits on the Development and Children Services Committee.