It’s Trustees’ Week (9–13 November 2026), a time to celebrate the people who give their time, skills and energy to help charities make a difference. At Long Covid Scotland, we’re thanking our trustees and volunteers for the work they do, often behind the scenes, to support people affected by Long Covid and campaign for change.
Across the UK, nearly one million trustees help charities achieve their goals. They bring experience, knowledge and commitment to causes they care about, often alongside work, family life and other responsibilities.
For Long Covid Scotland, their contribution is essential. As a member-led charity, our work depends on people who understand the challenges faced by those living with Long Covid and are determined to make things better.
What does a charity trustee actually do?
Trustees ensure a charity is well run, uses its resources responsibly, and stays focused on its purpose. At Long Covid Scotland, this means helping to set our priorities, oversee our finances, support fundraising, and guide our campaigning and advocacy work.
But being a trustee is about more than attending meetings and making decisions. Our trustees also contribute to policy discussions, build relationships with researchers and decision-makers, support volunteers, listen to members, and help ensure the experiences of people affected by Long Covid are heard.
Much of this work happens quietly, over weeks and months. It takes planning, teamwork, patience and persistence. And for a charity working to improve recognition, care and support for people with Long Covid, that steady effort matters.
Our recent AGM: A team effort
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM), held online on 3 November, showed how much work goes into running a small charity. From preparing reports and accounts to organising speakers, sharing information with members and managing the event itself, an AGM takes considerable time and coordination.
This year’s meeting brought together people from across Scotland to reflect on our achievements and discuss what comes next.
We shared how Long Covid Scotland has continued to keep Long Covid on the political agenda, including through briefings for MSPs, engagement with the Scottish Government and contributions to discussions about the future of health services.
Over the past year, we also welcomed three new trustees and worked with five active volunteers.
Following the formal AGM, we were pleased to hear from Professor Chris Ponting, who discussed research into the genetics of ME/CFS and its relevance to Long Covid, and researcher Eilidh Anderson, who shared her work using body mapping to communicate the experiences of women living with Long Covid.
The meeting was an opportunity to celebrate progress, recognise the challenges ahead and thank everyone who continues to support our work.
It was also a reminder that the charity’s achievements are only possible because people give their time, knowledge and energy.
Could you volunteer with Long Covid Scotland?
You don’t have to become a trustee to make a difference. We’re looking for more volunteers to help us grow, reach more people and strengthen our campaigning. You will usually need to become a member of Long Covid Scotland first, so if you are not a member yet, please apply here. Membership is free and open to anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 who has been impacted by Long Covid, for example as a patient, parent, partner, and more.
We’re particularly interested in hearing from people who can help with:
Administration: Helping with the practical tasks that keep the charity running.
Social media and communications: Helping us share information, reach new audiences and raise awareness of Long Covid.
IT and digital support: Helping us use technology better and improve how we work.
We know that many people in our community live with fluctuating symptoms, fatigue and limited energy.
That’s why we aim to make volunteering flexible and supported. Opportunities may involve around two hours a week, with guidance from a trustee.
We value lived experience and understand that some prospective volunteers may have reservations about getting involved. However, it is important to highlight that firsthand experience with Long Covid is not a requirement for volunteering with us. If you possess relevant skills, experience, or enthusiasm, your contribution would be welcomed and valued.
Volunteering should fit around your circumstances, not come at the expense of your health.
Interested in volunteering?
Could you be our next trustee?
We’re also interested in hearing from people who might like to help guide the future of Long Covid Scotland by joining our Board of Trustees.
Trustees help set the charity’s direction and take an active role in its work. You must first be an established member of Long Covid Scotland, so if you are not a member yet, please apply here. Membership is free and open to anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 who has been impacted by Long Covid, for example as patients, parents, partners and more.
We welcome individuals with expertise in legal matters, digital technology, finance, or auditing. However, we value a broad range of skills, and encourage those with different backgrounds to apply. In particular, an understanding of Long Covid and the lived experiences of those affected by it is highly regarded.
You don’t need previous experience as a charity trustee to apply.
The expected commitment is at least six hours a month, with flexibility around individual circumstances.
Becoming a trustee is an opportunity to contribute your skills, gain new experience, and help shape a charity working for better care, recognition, and support for people affected by Long Covid in Scotland.
Every contribution makes a difference.
Not everyone has the time or energy to volunteer or become a trustee, and we understand that.
There are other ways to support Long Covid Scotland. You can become a member, respond to our surveys, share your experiences, support our fundraising or help spread the word about our work.
Even small contributions can help us reach more people and strengthen our collective voice.
As we look ahead, our priorities include influencing Scotland’s developing Long Term Conditions Strategy, campaigning for better and more consistent Long Covid care, growing our membership and making our charity more sustainable.
We cannot achieve these goals alone.
Meet our trustees during Trustees’ Week.
Throughout Trustees’ Week, we’ll share updates from our trustees, giving you a chance to learn more about the people involved in Long Covid Scotland, why they contribute, and what their work means to them.
Follow Long Covid Scotland on social media throughout 9–13 November to hear from our trustees and join us in celebrating their contributions. To all our trustees, volunteers, members and supporters: thank you for the time, commitment and effort you bring to Long Covid Scotland. Together, we can keep the voices of people affected by Long Covid heard.
You can follow us on social media here:
You can also learn more about Trustees’ Week, explore events and access free guidance and resources at www.trusteesweek.org.
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