Ian Mclaughlan
“If you have a big heart for helping children and young people, and bring life experience or professional skills to the table, you will be made most welcome.”
Ian Mclaughlan
(Chair of COVEY’s Board)
I was inspired to apply to join the COVEY Board in 2022 after retiring from full-time work in the children’s and youth work sector. I have always been passionate about helping children and young people access the best opportunities in life, particularly those who need COVEY’s support the most.
Having been care experienced during my early, formative years in Lanarkshire, I know firsthand the value of kinship care and of adults in the community who are willing to step forward to support the most vulnerable in our society. That lived experience is why COVEY’s work means so much to me personally.
One standout moment for me was the Connecting COVEY event held in Blantyre in 2025. Bringing together young ambassadors, volunteers with many years of service, a dedicated staff and Board team, along with funders, politicians and partners, the event demonstrated everything that is good about COVEY and the values it lives out every day. In one evening, we were all able to see and feel the positive impact COVEY has on the lives of children, young people and their families.
With over 30 years’ experience working across three national children and young people’s organisations, I have been fortunate to develop skills and insight that I hope have helped COVEY over the past four years.
I’m a bit of a charity geek, and leading national organisations has given me a strong understanding of good governance and leadership within our sector. I value the opportunity to support and add value by encouraging and standing alongside colleagues who lead and govern this vital charity in its mission.
If you are thinking about joining the COVEY Board, I would say this: do it, because you will enjoy it. COVEY is in a strong financial position, its services are growing, and the Board is made up of great people who take the responsibility of governance seriously, but never take themselves too seriously.
If you have a big heart for helping children and young people, and bring life experience or professional skills to the table, you will be made most welcome.
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