Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner has joined the board of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce. 

Donna Jones, who also chairs the National Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, joins the chamber’s board as a non-executive director.

She will work alongside chief executive and executive chairman Ross McNally, president Peter Taylor and fellow board directors to help shape the chamber’s strategic growth as the county’s independent voice of business.

Ms Jones worked in banking and investment management before her election to Portsmouth City Council in 2008. She was the first woman to become executive leader, a role she held from 2014 to 2018.

She was appointed a magistrate to the South East Hampshire Bench in 2005.

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At the time of her appointment, she was the youngest member of the judiciary in England and Wales. 
Since being elected Police and Crime Commissioner in May 2021, Ms Jones has presided over a £500 million budget for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. 

She said: “As someone with over 25 years working in business and private enterprise, I’m delighted to be joining the board of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce as a non-executive director. The chamber is a vital enterprise community supporting businesses with innovation, engagement and advocacy which I am honoured to be a part of. 

“I have spent the last 15 years supporting businesses and being an interface into government, delivering on my passion to grow the GVA of the South East region. The future growth of businesses across Hampshire is vital to the success of the 1.8 million people living and working in the county. When businesses thrive, communities thrive, providing us with the foundation to build a better, safer, more prosperous region for the next generation.

“I’m looking forward to working with chamber members to find collaborative solutions across the public and private sectors and to interface with the government where required.” 

Mr McNally said: “Donna understands business, was the leader of a major city in our region and will be a wise head to have around our table. Her experience, knowledge, ideas and energy will be invaluable. At the same time, she has expressed a strong desire to gain a better understanding of issues facing our members, including our many SMEs, so she can reflect that in her conversations with senior police figures. We look forward to working together with Donna in support of the business community.”