Probe into Scottish Youth Parliament after former chairman jailed

An inquiry into the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) has been launched by Scotland’s charities regulator after its former chair was jailed for sex offences.

Jordan Linden resigned as the leader of North Lanarkshire Council in July 2022 after reports of alleged sexual harassment emerged, leading to the collapse of the SNP administration.

Last week, the 30-year-old was sentenced to 18 months behind bars after being found guilty of ten offences following a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court in March.

Linden was found guilty of five sexual assaults, three counts of engaging in a course of conduct causing fear or alarm and of charges involving sexual communication.

The offences spanned the period 2011 to 2021. He was also put on the sex offenders register.

On Monday, it emerged Linden had instructed his lawyers to appeal his conviction and sentence.

The Crown confirmed that an application has been made.

The OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator) said in a statement: “Following an assessment of concerns received about the Scottish Youth Parliament, we have opened an inquiry into the charity.

“In line with our published policies, we are unable to provide further comment at this time.”

A SYP spokesperson added: “We have received notification from OSCR that it has started a review into our regulatory and governance procedures and we are fully committed to supporting that review in any way we can.

“Our safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures have been reviewed and strengthened on a regular basis, including in 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2024, with further updates planned this year.

“We remain committed to maintaining a safe environment for all young people and to continually improving our safeguarding practice.”