Response to recent statements about New Local

Statement from New Local’s board regarding recent social media posts from Donna Hall.

New Local’s board makes this statement in response to recent social media posts by our former chair, Donna Hall, which are highly critical of New Local.

We wholeheartedly and resoundingly do not recognise the picture of New Local painted in Donna’s recent statements. The comments themselves feel entirely out of character. It is with regret that we must respond to them publicly, but the negative tone is affecting our team’s well-being.

Many of us have been long-term friends and colleagues of Donna. She played a pivotal role in New Local’s journey and made a hugely positive contribution to our mission. The whole staff team as well as the Board respect and admire the contribution Donna has made to improve public services over many decades.  

However, our priority must be to safeguard the wellbeing of our staff and our organisational integrity. Hence our need to challenge Donna’s narrative.

We would like Donna to know that our door always remains open to her, if there is anything more we can do to restore our relationship.

We hope this statement draws a line under this issue and we can all remain focused on continuing the important work of which Donna was once a huge part.

Background

Donna took up the chair role in 2019. Like her predecessors, this was in a voluntary capacity. As New Local’s practice work evolved, the board decided that Donna could receive remuneration for work on specific projects if she wished.

When Donna resigned in March 2023, it was proposed that she stay on a remunerated basis, but after some consideration she declined. As outgoing chair, Donna advised that the position should be remunerated in the future, and she presided over the board’s decision to proceed with recruitment on this basis.

Donna was warmly thanked both publicly and privately upon the announcement of her decision to step down in May 2023. After this point, her relationship with the organisation became increasingly strained. Attempts to repair it, including reaching out with an offer of mediation, were regretfully unsuccessful.  

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