An opportunity to use skills to help Avenues digital transformation; Jeff’s trustee story
Wednesday 9th of July 2025Jeff Boateng works in digital technology, helping organisations with digital change and transformation. He answered Avenues call out for trustees with digital skills, lending his expertise as more areas of the charity go digital. Jeff is currently Chair of the digital and IT committee.
Jeff describes what was important to him when choosing somewhere he could use his skills:
“When I was looking at the trustee role, I wanted a role where I could really bring my whole self, to really share my experiences and not do it in a way where I was taking over, but to be more supportive.” 
Jeff saw how the pandemic affected organisations in terms of digital and he knew he could lend a hand:
“I think a lot of organisations since Covid have really started paying attention to the whole digital agenda so I knew that this was an area that I wanted to really bring a lot of my expertise to support a cause.”
In addition Jeff knew the social care sector and had a strong personal interest:
“I’ve been in the health and social care sector for a number of years. I’ve always had an interest in mental health, learning disabilities and autism. On a more personal note, a very good friend of ours has a son who has learning disabilities and is autistic and I see some of the struggles her and her husband go through”
He believes, like Avenues, that everyone should have an equal opportunity in society, which was a big motivator:
“For me it’s quite impactful to really make sure that we’re giving a voice to people who could be quite marginalised and making sure that they get what they need in the right way and at the right time as well. For me that’s one of my biggest motivations.”
As a trustee Jeff also saw it as an opportunity to educate within his community:
“A lot of black people do not necessarily understand mental health and learning disabilities or autism. There’s a lot of stigma around it when in actual fact it’s a condition that just needs support in terms of how it’s managed. I think there’s a bit of awareness raising and understanding that needs to be done within the community for people to understand.”
Jeff thinks that the more diverse a board is with differences in opinions, the better it can be: “Our conversations are quite good and for me, it’s about getting people to maybe just think differently. I think a lot of organisations are reaching out to different communities which is really beginning to dilute it for the better to be honest. When I say to people that I’m a trustee, they say it’s fantastic and with all of my skills, it makes sense.”
For Jeff being part of the trustee board has been a huge learning opportunity. It has also been useful for his career:
“The board is made-up of a lot of talented individuals. It’s good to be able to network with different people and get to understand other people’s motivations as well as the skills and experiences that they bring. Having access to that kind of wider network has been really beneficial.
We have a very healthy kind of debate. There will be conflicting views within it, but it’s about how we get ourselves to that point of agreeing that it’s a good course of action for the organisation.”
The satisfaction for Jeff is seeing the ideas they have discussed and debated in the boardroom change people’s lives for the better:
“I’m really proud. I feel that we’re doing the right thing for the organisation and when we come back to a board meeting a couple of months later and get an update on something that we’ve agreed, its great to understand the impact it is having on client lives and employees. It just feels real and refreshing.”
Jeff has no hesitation in recommending the trustee role to someone thinking of applying and stresses personality and drive is as important as skills and experience:
“Bring your whole self to the position, because I think the organisation is counting on your personality, your charisma, your experiences, everything. I think it’s a very positive thing to do and you are giving back to communities . Plus you’ve enhanced your career’s development as well as part of the process.”
Are you interested in becoming a trustee? We are currently looking for new trustees and Independent Committee Members. To find out more go to https://www.avenuesgroup.org.uk/jobs-and-careers/become-a-trustee-2/