Forner Chief Executive of Wigan Council, Chair of the New Local Government Network and Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
Donna has been described as a “public service pioneer” by the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. She was awarded a CBE in 2009 for innovation in public service and was Transformational Leader in the Northern Powerwomen Awards 2017. She was CEO of Wigan Council for 8 years and developed The Wigan Deal – a new relationship with residents which delivered 160 million savings and improved services and resident satisfaction. She was also accountable officer for the CCG at Wigan. She created another social contract with residents while CEO at Chorley Council – The Chorley Smile.
She is a passionate feminist who championed “Believe in Her” and led a major equality change programme to ensure Wigan Council now has a zero gender pay gap. She is now the chair of the innovative national think tank the New Local Government Network and the Chair of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust. She was appointed as an Honorary Professor of Politics at the University of Manchester in August 2019 and is a Non Executive Adviser to Birmingham City Council. She is also an Integrated Care System Adviser to NHS England. Adopted as a child she is passionate about person-centred public services and communities.