Paula Wheeler, Director of Collaboration 

Paula Wheeler is a collaborator, connector and relationship-builder who is passionate about bringing people together to create positive change. As Director of Collaboration at Collaborate Out Loud CIC, she works across sectors and communities to foster meaningful partnerships, strengthen networks and create opportunities for collective action. With a natural ability to engage people and build trust, Paula helps organisations navigate complexity through collaboration, conversation and shared learning.  

With more than 25 years of experience across health, public health, stakeholder engagement, commissioning and leadership development, Paula has built an extensive track record of working across complex systems to improve outcomes for people and communities. Throughout her career, she has developed and led collaborative approaches that connect research, practice and lived experience, ensuring that diverse voices help shape decision-making and drive innovation.  

Paula is particularly passionate about creating opportunities for seldom-heard groups to influence change and have their voices recognised within health and social care systems. Her work has focused on stakeholder engagement, knowledge mobilisation, public participation and system-wide collaboration, helping organisations develop more inclusive, participatory and effective approaches to tackling complex challenges.  

Known for her warmth, authenticity and ability to bring people together, Paula combines strategic insight with a strong commitment to relationship-centred working. Whether facilitating partnerships, supporting research programmes, engaging communities or developing leadership capability, she believes lasting change happens when people feel connected, valued and empowered to contribute.