Avenues welcomes David Jessop as new Chair of Trustees
Monday 21st of September 2026
Avenues is pleased to announce the appointment of David Jessop as our new Chair of Trustees, succeeding our current Chair, Terry Rich.
David will formally take up the position on 13 October 2026, bringing extensive experience from across the commercial and charity sectors to Avenues and our Board of Trustees.
David began his professional career in HR before moving into the charity sector around 25 years ago. Over the past 15 years, he has held a number of executive board-level positions, developing significant experience of organisational leadership, bringing together people with different skills and perspectives, and supporting organisations to achieve their purpose.
Why Avenues?
For David, it was Avenues’ purpose and the difference the organisation makes to people’s lives that particularly attracted him to the role.
Speaking about his appointment, David Jessop said:
“Quite simply, I’m attracted to Avenues because of its amazing purpose and how it goes about really helping the people who turn to the organisation for support.”
David hopes to use his skills, knowledge and experience to bring people together and support Avenues as it enters its next chapter. He is particularly looking forward to visiting services, meeting colleagues and people we support, and hearing about both the successes and opportunities across the organisation.
Jo Land, Chief Executive of Avenues, said:
“We are delighted to welcome David to Avenues. David’s appointment follows a thorough recruitment process involving colleagues, Trustees and people we support from across Avenues. I’m looking forward to working with him as we begin this next chapter together.”
What does the Chair of Trustees do?
The Chair leads Avenues’ Board of Trustees, helping the Board work effectively and providing oversight and governance alongside Avenues’ Executive Team.
This appointment does not change the day-to-day running of Avenues or the support people receive from our services. Our Executive Team and colleagues will continue to lead and deliver Avenues’ work as they do today, with David and the Board of Trustees providing governance, oversight and support to the organisation.
Thanking Terry Rich
As we prepare to welcome David, we also want to recognise the significant contribution of our outgoing Chair, Terry Rich.
Terry has provided leadership and support to Avenues throughout his time as Chair, and we are incredibly grateful for the commitment he has shown to the organisation, our colleagues and, most importantly, the people we support.
We will be celebrating Terry’s contribution as he prepares to step down, and we wish him every success for the future.
David will officially take up his position as Chair of Trustees on 13 October 2026 and is looking forward to getting out across Avenues to meet the people who make the organisation what it is.
Find out more about our Board of Trustees and how Avenues is governed HERE