Donna Hall retiring as New Local Chair
Donna Hall will retire from her role chairing New Local at the end of 2023, after five years.
Since joining the New Local Board in 2018, Donna has brought huge levels of expertise, energy and support to the think tank. She has overseen the flourishing of the community power movement following 2019’s Community Paradigm; the growth of New Local’s network to 70 councils and others; the beginning of its work alongside the NHS; and the introduction of a practice function offering close-hand support to public sector organisations.
Described as a ‘public service pioneer’ by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, Donna is one of the UK’s leading figures in public services reform. She was CEO of Wigan Council for eight years where the Council developed The Wigan Deal – a new relationship with residents which delivered £160 million savings, improving both services and resident satisfaction.
More recently she was chair of Bolton NHS Trust, where she championed the importance of person-centred health and system working.
Donna says: “I’ve really enjoyed working with Adam Lent, Jessica Studdert and the team at New Local over the last five years. We have achieved a lot by learning from our network who are so passionate about working with communities to deliver the Community Paradigm shift in their localities. I now feel it’s time for New Local to find a new chair who can bring fresh thinking and some new ideas to the board. I look forward to continuing to support this vital work for all public services into the future”
Adam Lent, New Local’s Chief Executive says: “Donna will be hugely missed by all of us at New Local. Working with her has been a privilege. It is hard to think of someone more genuinely passionate about creating better public services. The time and insight she has contributed over the years has been invaluable. Community power simply wouldn’t be recognised as it is today without the profile and expertise she has given it.”
Claire Kennedy, New Local’s Vice Chair and Joint Chief Executive, PPL, says: “I know I speak for the whole board when I say that we are extraordinarily grateful for the passion, insight and experience Donna has brought to New Local and to the community power agenda.
“As well as leaving some big shoes to fill, Donna is leaving a really powerful legacy at New Local and we look forward to continuing to work alongside her in the future to embed new ways of thinking about public services across our society.”
Donna was awarded a CBE in 2009 for innovation in public service and was named a Transformational Leader in the Northern Power Women Awards 2017. She is a System Transformation Adviser to NHSE, chairs social care social enterprise PossAbilities and is a board member of Carnall Farrar and CIPFA C-CO.
Plans for recruitment of New Local’s next chair will be announced shortly.
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