My journey to joining the Board began with many years of working in social work services, where I first came to know COVEY in the late 1990s. Even then, it was clear that the organisation provided a lifeline to families, support that (in some cases) was vital to their survival.
When I saw an advert for Trustees in late 2020, it felt like the right moment to give something back to the Lanarkshire community where I live. Too many children and families across Scotland face disadvantage shaped by circumstances entirely out of their control. Living in Lanarkshire, I see the impact of those challenges every day. Being able to contribute, even in a small way, to reducing that inequality means a great deal to me.
A moment that made me especially proud of the Board’s work came at the open event in June. Hearing directly from children, young people and families who had benefitted from COVEY’s support was incredibly humbling. The honesty with which they shared their experiences, and their desire to help others facing similar challenges, was deeply moving. It brought home the real difference the organisation makes and reinforced why the work we do as trustees matters.
I bring to the Board four decades of experience in social work, including years spent working with children who were removed from their families. That experience has given me a profound understanding of the long-term consequences when families do not receive the right help at the right time. I also bring senior leadership experience in care and regulation, as well as over a decade of previous Board and Trustee work. Together, these perspectives help inform decision-making, encourage scrutiny, and support a focus on early, meaningful intervention.
For anyone considering joining the Board, my message is simple: do it. It is a powerful way to share your experience, both personal and professional, in service of others. And don’t let ‘imposter syndrome’ hold you back. Trustees are ordinary people who care deeply about the communities they serve. If you have the willingness to contribute and the desire to make a difference, you already have what matters most.
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If you’re interested in joining our Board, please use the button below to find out more details and apply.
