We are delighted to announce the appointment of Donna-Louise Cobban as the new CEO from 24 January 2022. Donna-Louise has more than 25 years’ management experience, the last ten of which have been in the third sector, where she has delivered support services in the areas of mental health, education and homelessness.

Donna-Louise joins Beyond Detention from a senior management role with Wintercomfort for the Homeless, a homelessness charity in Cambridge that works with those who are homeless and vulnerably housed, among them people with no recourse to public funds and those who have sought asylum and been detained as they await immigration decisions. Over the past 18 months Donna-Louise has been part of a team that managed the emergency response for those who were homeless in Cambridge during the Covid-19 pandemic, when more than 250 people were supported and accommodated.

Donna-Louise is originally from Edinburgh and has lived in Bedford and the surrounding villages for the last 15 years. A keen runner and long-distance walker who often enjoys the Bedford Park Run, she has completed two Bedford half-marathons in recent years. She is also a Listening Volunteer with Bedford Samaritans.

Donna-Louise Cobban, CEO of Beyond Detention, says:

“I am thrilled to be joining Beyond Detention at this important time of growth and development. I look forward to working with the dedicated volunteer and staff team to ensure that those who are detained in Yarl’s Wood IRC, as well as those who have recently been released, continue to receive the best support we can provide.”

Robina Pelham Burn, Chair of Trustees, says:

“On behalf of the trustees, I warmly welcome Donna-Louise as our new CEO. Our commitment to those who find themselves having to navigate the UK’s hostile immigration system is more vital than ever, and as our remit expands to help people rebuild their lives after detention, Donna-Louise’s skills and wide experience are exactly what we need. This is a moment, too, to pay tribute to the terrific dedication of our volunteers and staff, as well as thank our outgoing CEO, Nicky Woods, for her hard work and leadership over the past two years. We wish her the very best for the future.”

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