Scotland’s charities regulator has launched an inquiry into the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) after its former chair, Jordan Linden, was jailed for sex offences.
Linden, 30, was convicted of 10 separate offences against young men and teenagers following a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court last month.
He committed the offences between 2011 and 2021, with some occurring during his tenure as SYP chair in 2015 and 2016.
The former council leader, who left the SNP in 2024, was ordered to serve 18 months behind bars when he appeared for sentencing at the same court last week.
He was also placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.
The OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator) confirmed that following an “assessment of concerns” about the SYP it has opened an inquiry into the charity.
It is understood the probe will look at regularity and governance procedures at the body.
An OSCR spokesperson said: “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.”
In a statement issued to other news outlets, an SYP spokesperson said: “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.”
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 in the area.
On Tuesday, it was announced Linden is to appeal his conviction and sentence, and that an intimation of an intention to appeal has been lodged with the courts on his behalf.
