Ian McLaughlan has enjoyed a varied career working in the voluntary sector for 35 years supporting community organisations striving to improve the lives of children and young people. An experienced leader, he has been Chief Officer of three national children and young people's organisations, the BB in Scotland, Early Years Scotland and, before retiring in March 2022, with Youth Scotland - one of the national intermediaries supporting youth work in Scotland.

Leading Youth Scotland, Ian championed the case - and provided training and resources - for the most vulnerable young people in society and promoted community based youth work in every local authority area of Scotland.

As well as being Chair of COVEY, Ian is a member of the Board of Management of Edinburgh College and is Chair of its People and Remuneration Committee. Ian is a past Chair, and currently Fellow, of the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations (ACOSVO) and was Vice-Chair of the Cattanach, an early years charitable trust.