Meet Jill Davies, Chair of the Board of Trustees

Good governance starts with people, purpose and a shared commitment to making a difference. For Trustees Week 2026, we meet Jill Davies, Chair of Ategi's Board of Trustees, to find out what inspired her to become a Trustee, what the role has taught her and what she hopes for the future.

For Jill Davies, becoming a Trustee was an opportunity to do something meaningful with the experience she had gained throughout her career, while giving something back.

“I was looking for something with real purpose, where I could contribute and give something back,” Jill explains. “Becoming a Trustee gave me the opportunity to support an organisation doing important work, while also challenging myself, learning from others and taking on a responsibility that genuinely mattered to me.”

Ategi stood out because of its commitment to recognising every person as an individual, with their own strengths, choices and ambitions. Just as importantly, Jill felt these values were reflected in the organisation's everyday approach, rather than simply being words on a page.

That belief in the importance of people remains central to how Jill approaches her role today.

Making a difference through good governance

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, Jill's role involves helping to guide Ategi's direction, supporting good decision-making and ensuring the organisation remains true to its purpose.

For her, this means finding the right balance between offering support and asking the difficult questions when needed.

“Being an Ategi Trustee means knowing that my contribution can help Ategi by asking difficult questions when needed, offering support and always remembering that the decisions we make affect real lives.”

She particularly values the moments when Trustees can have open, thoughtful conversations and reach decisions that reflect both their responsibilities and Ategi's values.

Since joining the Board, Jill's own role has developed considerably, particularly when she became Chair. The experience has taught her a great deal about leadership, listening and the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels able to contribute.

“Good leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about building trust, encouraging honest discussion and helping people work together towards the right outcome.”

Never losing sight of the individual

Being a Trustee has also given Jill a deeper appreciation of the complexity of social care and the knowledge, patience and resilience required to provide genuinely person-centred support.

It has encouraged her to listen more carefully, consider different perspectives and look beyond the policies, papers and processes that are part of Board responsibilities.

“Behind every paper, policy or decision is a person with their own relationships, hopes, abilities and right to make choices about their life.”

It is a perspective that Jill believes should never be lost, particularly when making decisions that affect the lives of the people Ategi supports.

Reflecting on what she is most proud of during her time with Ategi, Jill points not to one particular achievement, but to the collective commitment shown across the organisation.

She is especially proud of the way the Board has worked through important and sometimes difficult decisions without losing sight of why Ategi exists. As Chair, she has sought to encourage a culture where Trustees feel comfortable speaking honestly, asking questions and offering constructive challenge, while supporting one another.

For Jill, that shared commitment to learning, improving and doing the best possible for the people Ategi supports is what matters most.

A rewarding experience – and one worth sharing

What advice would Jill give to someone thinking about becoming a Trustee?

Her answer is wholehearted encouragement.

“I would wholeheartedly recommend trusteeship. It gives you the chance to use what you know, but it also teaches you a great deal about yourself and other people.”

Jill believes you do not need to arrive with all the answers. Curiosity, a willingness to listen, the confidence to ask questions and a genuine commitment to doing the right thing are just as important.

While trusteeship brings responsibility and requires time and commitment, she believes the rewards are considerable.

“I have found it challenging at times, but also hugely interesting, rewarding and worthwhile.”

Looking ahead

As Ategi looks to the future, Jill hopes the organisation will continue to grow in confidence and ambition while retaining the personal, caring approach that makes it special.

She would like to see the voices of the people Ategi supports become even stronger in shaping the support they receive, alongside continued investment in partnerships and new opportunities that enable people to enjoy greater choice, independence and control over their lives.

Above all, she hopes Ategi remains a place where everyone feels listened to, respected and valued.

It is a fitting reflection of what first attracted Jill to the organisation and what continues to motivate her as Chair.

And if she had to sum up her experience of being an Ategi Trustee in just a few words?

“A genuinely rewarding experience.”

Thank you, Jill, for your commitment, thoughtful leadership and the time you give to helping Ategi make a difference.