This is an open letter to the Board of Trustees (the Board) of Bradford Producing Hub (BPH), expressing concerns relating to the current position and management of the charity by the board.

We the undersigned wish to express the risk we perceive in the current situation.

To date, and under the leadership of the current Executive Director, Lisa Mallaghan, BPH has developed and delivered an innovative, accessible, and contemporary programme of work for creative people at all career stages. BPH exists for our benefit and professional development, and we have regularly had opportunity to bring our voice to how BPH should be run, and how BPH can meet sector needs.

We are aware that ‘charity fixer’ Kate Hainsworth has been engaged by BPH. This, combined with existing rumours and questions about the resignation of the current Executive Director, and the resignation of several board members in 2025, raises concerns about legacy planning at BPH, and whether decisions being made are in the best interests of Bradford’s creative sector.

At this time of transition for the organisation, we would like to remind the board and new management that the artists, creative practitioners and arts workers in Bradford have a stake in the charity and the decisions made. BPH’s position is built on relationships, trust and creative excellence. It is this trust in BPH and its people, and in how the company lives its values everyday, that results in us supporting its remit for the development of the sector in Bradford.

The current changes at leadership and governance level pose significant risks not only to BPH, but to the developing ecology of the creative sector in Bradford. We want to lend our support in ensuring a robust future for the organisation, and the sector.

Therefore we the undersigned request the following:

• Clarity around the role of Kate Hainsworth and her remit

• A transparent plan for the future leadership of BPH taking into account how and why decisions have been made relating to legacy plans for the Executive Director

• Timely recruitment of new Board members, representative of the diversity of Bradford in terms of identity, lived experience and freelance practicing artists

• Specific details of how and when we as a sector will be consulted on BPH’s future