Ralph Knibbs

Ralph Knibbs has a diverse work experience spanning several industries. Ralph began their career as a Recruitment Consultant at Montrose Technical Recruitment in 1989. Ralph then worked as a Personnel Officer/Recruitment Officer at Bristol City Council from 1989 to 1996.

In 1996, Knibbs transitioned to the sports industry, serving as the Human Resources Manager at Bristol Rugby Football Club. Ralph later became the First Team Coach at Coventry Rugby Football Club from 1997 to 1998.

Moving back into the HR field, Knibbs held various Human Resources roles at Rolls-Royce plc from 1998 to 2009. These roles included Human Resources Advisor, Human Resources Manager - Bristol Operations, Human Resources Director - Combustion Systems, and Human Resources Director - Employee Engagement & Reward. During their time at Rolls-Royce, Knibbs was responsible for leading HR functions at both strategic and operational levels, managing large teams, and implementing working practice agreements.

In 2010, Knibbs worked as a HR Consultant at SEMTA, where they devised and implemented various HR initiatives, including a performance management system and employee engagement survey.

From 2010 to 2011, Knibbs served as the Director of Organisation Change Solutions, where they specialized in helping businesses implement strategic change programs.

In 2020, they joined England Rugby as the Vice Chair of the RFU Diversity and Inclusion Implementation Working Group, where they played a key role in increasing diversity and inclusion within the leadership and governance structures of the game.

Currently, Knibbs holds the position of Head of Human Resources at United Kingdom Athletics Limited, where they provide executive leadership of the strategic HR plan and leads the HR team in delivering services that support the business strategy.

Ralph also serves as a Non-Executive Director at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, chairing the Board's People and Culture Committee.

Throughout their career, Knibbs has demonstrated extensive expertise in HR leadership, organizational change, and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Ralph Knibbs obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management and Development from the University of the West of England, completing their studies from 1992 to 1995.