The resignation of Rosie Millard, chair of the BBC’s Children in Need charity, has ignited a firestorm of discussion regarding funding practices and accountability within charitable organizations. Millard’s departure follows her objections to a significant grant awarded to LGBT Youth Scotland, a charity that has faced scrutiny due to its former chief executive’s involvement in a child abuse scandal.
In her resignation letter shared with the Times, Millard highlighted what she described as an institutional failure within the charity. She specifically criticized the decision to award £466,000 to LGBT Youth Scotland, which supports LGBTQ+ youth. This funding decision came seven months after the conviction of James Rennie, the charity’s former head, for serious sexual offenses against minors.
Millard expressed concern that Children in Need did not conduct adequate due diligence before allocating funds. She accused CEO Simon Antrobus of failing to respond appropriately to allegations regarding the charity.
Children in Need representatives stated that they immediately suspended grants following allegations against LGBT Youth Scotland and initiated a comprehensive review. This review lasted three months and ultimately led to the withdrawal of funding.
The case raises important questions about accountability within charities, especially those working with vulnerable populations. Millard’s resignation has prompted Children in Need’s board of trustees to review its operational protocols and ensure proper oversight moving forward.
In response to Millard’s departure, Mhairi Crawford, CEO of LGBT Youth Scotland, criticized her claims as ideologically motivated attacks on their organization. Crawford emphasized that investigations by Police Scotland cleared LGBT Youth Scotland of any wrongdoing related to historic allegations.
While acknowledging the loss of funding from Children in Need after nearly 15 years of collaboration, Crawford expressed disappointment over the decision and reiterated their commitment to serving LGBTQ+ youth effectively.
As this situation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding funding in charitable organizations and the need for transparent practices that prioritize safety above all else. The discussions sparked by this incident may lead to more stringent oversight measures across similar charities in the future.
Resignation Shakes BBC’s Children in Need Over Controversial Grants In a significant turn of events, Rosie Millard has stepped down as chair of the BBC’s Children in Need charity amid controversy surrounding grants awarded to LGBT Youth Scotland (LGBTYS).
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