The fRoots article about Hallam's appointment in 2009 makes him look like a product of the commercial pop/rock marketing biz:

Whilst at Royal & Derngate, Nick started to develop a folk and world music strand bringing in the likes of Richard Thompson, Kate Rusby, Cara Dillon, Oysterband, Waterson:Carthy as well the more eclectic Imagined Village.

Given what I see EFDSS as being about, that choice of bedmates would have me wondering "is that really all he can see in folk music?" - he can't have had a lot in common with the rest of the staff.

I can see why you would think that, but Nick has thrown himself with vigour into traditional arts since his appointment, attending as many events and festivals as he can and taking up the melodeon. He even proudly showed me some vintage EFDSS memorabilia that he'd bought from ebay for his personal collection. I found all this heartening because this is what I felt the EFDSS and folk music in general really needed - he'd converted himself to the cause (of British traditional music and dance) and now he was out to convert others through his approachability and enthusiasm.

I have heard from a range of sources what happened here - its obviously complicated with many sides to the story which can't really be discussed on Mudcat. However, I do think that this is a backwards step.