Leslie Evans

Leslie Evans joined the Board of Trustees at Action for Children in August 2022.

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

In 2015 she was the first woman to be appointed Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government, Scotland’s most senior civil servant and principal policy adviser to First Minister and her Cabinet. She led the organization through devolution of extensive new powers, departure from the EU, COP26 and the pandemic, representing Scotland and Scotland’s interests at the highest level in UK and internationally. She has extensive experience of leading change, delivery, reform and improvement, equality and diversity, and working in partnership with private, third and public sectors.

Leslie left the civil service in 2022 and is now pursuing a portfolio career. She is a fully qualified Executive Coach, having her own coaching company and also works as an Associate Coach. Leslie is supporting UK charities to improve outcomes for children and young people, and assist women back into the workplace.