Rita Evans

I recently worked as the interim Head of Organisational Effectiveness for Anchor Housing and has also been a specialist advisor for OD and culture with NHS England. As one of the first NHS-validated system OD leaders in the UK, I am recognised for my collaborative, values-led approach. A skilled coach, facilitator and mentor, I help leaders and teams work through complex challenges and create lasting change.  

Previously, as Director of OD at Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, I led a cultural transformation programme aligned with strategic priorities. As Leaders in Greater Manchester Programme Director, I supported a major cross-sector place-based transformation initiative; working with public services, the voluntary sector, leaders and members of the community.  

I have also contributed to Manchester’s Working Better Together Programme and Stockport’s integrated health and social care initiative, Stockport Together.  

My career has included roles such as Assistant Director for OD and Learning at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Head of Client Development for the Institute of OD and Leadership Programme Manager for the Improvement Foundation. Earlier, I was a Lead Consultant with Oliver Wyman Leadership Development and Head of Learning and Development at Compass Group, where I led a national change programme that won industry recognition.  

As a facilitator for Place Partnerships, I am looking forward to supporting local partners in working together to tackle physical inactivity. I understand the importance of building relationships, exploring challenges and enabling collaboration. I am experienced in facilitating multi-agency meetings, providing constructive challenge and coaching teams to develop shared solutions to complex problems.  

My work on The Big Conversation in Sheffield Health and Social Care demonstrates my impact in place-based facilitation. This initiative focused on addressing systemic inequalities by bringing people together, facilitating open conversations and coaching leaders to adopt more inclusive, community-led approaches. The learning from this work helped shape wider place-based strategies and strengthened collaboration across organisations.  

Committed to inclusion, community engagement and sustainable change, I work to amplify diverse voices in decision-making and encourages collaboration over competition. I am skilled at bringing together different stakeholders, understanding diverse needs and motivating teams to work collectively towards shared goals. My approach aligns with the mission of Active Partnerships, ensuring organisations and communities collaborate effectively for lasting impact.  

Outside of work, I chair a local community group, have been a trustee for a mental health charity and volunteer in East and West Africa. I enjoy cooking, walking, Parkruns and travelling. I also help organise local church and community events and lives in Cheshire with my husband and have two grown-up children.