Radical Reformers Revisit: Professor Donna Hall, Former Chief Executive, Wigan Council

Before "Manchesterism" became a national talking point, leaders like Professor Donna Hall were helping to put many of its core ideas into practice.

Many of the ideas now associated with Greater Manchester's reform story; local leadership, collaboration across organisations, community empowerment and a belief that places can shape their own futures, were being demonstrated through work such as the Wigan Deal years ago.

This week, we're revisiting an episode from the archives. I sat down with Professor Donna Hall, best known for her leadership of the Wigan Deal and her longstanding role as one of the most influential voices in public service reform (we’re also really proud to call her a member of our Board!).

In the conversation, Donna reflects on:

• Building genuine partnerships between public services and local people through the Wigan Deal.

• The opportunities and challenges of devolution.

• The relationship between central and local government.

• How places can come together around a shared purpose to tackle complex challenges.

This conversation means as much now as it did then.

The Wigan Deal influenced public service reform across Greater Manchester and Donna's reflections are a powerful reminder that successful reform isn't simply about structures and governance. It's about relationships, trust and creating the conditions for communities to thrive.

If you haven't listened before, or if it's been a while, this is a great episode to revisit.

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