We are aware of the recent criminal charges against Andrew Easton, who has been incorrectly reported to be an ex-staff member at LGBT Youth Scotland. Mr Easton has never been, at any point, an employee or volunteer with LGBT Youth Scotland. We were deeply troubled to learn of Mr Easton’s criminal actions. We condemn anyone that exploits or harms young people.
We understand that concerns have been raised about the role which Mr Easton played in contributing to an earlier edition of one of our coming out guides, and that his involvement in the resource has been misreported in the media.
This guide was created by and for young people, and his involvement in the process was not as an employee or volunteer of the organisation. The guide has been updated since 2009 and is not a current LGBT Youth Scotland resource. We are aware that some organisations may still be using this resource and will notify any we are made aware of that it is no longer in circulation.
Like any responsible organisation supporting young people we prioritise the wellbeing, safeguarding and safety of our service users. We have robust measures in place around the safeguarding of young people. Both policy and practice are comprehensively reviewed and updated on an annual basis and additionally in line with any relevant changes in legislation. We ensure that all staff and volunteers undergo appropriate Scottish Government background checks administered by Disclosure Scotland and extensive training. All staff and volunteers are committed to, and have a responsibility in implementing the policy.
Our safeguarding policy is publicly available and has been created in line with:
The National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 (updated in 2023)
Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Children (Scotland) Act 1995
Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2004
Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
Equality Act 2010
Gender Recognition Act 2004
The Scottish Government’s Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment Approach
At LGBT Youth Scotland all of our service provision places young people at the centre of everything we do and we are committed to the protection of all children and young people.
