Scottish Charity Regulator Launches Assessment Over Bogus CV Allegations
The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has confirmed it is actively assessing serious allegations concerning the appointment of a former convener at LGBT Youth Scotland (LGBTYS). The controversy centres on claims that Timothy Westwood, who recently resigned from his role, was appointed despite possessing a curriculum vitae that appears to be entirely fabricated.
Resignation Follows Exposure of Sham Credentials
As previously reported, Westwood stepped down from his position at the contentious charity, which focuses on supporting gay and transgender children and teenagers, after accusations emerged that his professional background was a complete sham. A spokesperson for OSCR stated last night that the charity itself had brought the issue to their attention. The regulator will now evaluate the information provided in strict accordance with its established policies for handling concerns and formal inquiries.
Westwood, who asserts he is 25 years old, is associated with a residential address located in Dartford, Kent. Attempts to obtain a comment from him yesterday were unsuccessful.
Political Pressure Mounts for Funding Withdrawal
Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton has publicly declared that it is absolutely right for the charities regulator to initiate a thorough investigation following these latest revelations. She characterised LGBT Youth Scotland as a controversial organisation that continues to receive significant taxpayer funding while allegedly peddling outrageous claims.
Ms Hamilton urged SNP ministers to follow the example set by BBC Children in Need and immediately withhold all public funding from the group until it demonstrates it has fully addressed these governance failures and put its house in order.
Complex Web of Associates and Dubious Records
The situation is further complicated by connections to Esther Bryan, who is listed on Companies House records as holding a CBE, although no official register confirms anyone of that name has received the honour. Bryan has been registered at the same Dartford address as Westwood and previously served as secretary for his now-dissolved company, Westwood Shares Ltd.
Intriguingly, a Companies House filing for that company once altered Westwood's details to Rt Hon. Lord Barony Timothy Guy Westwood, a title that was later reverted. Esther Bryan, aged 53 and living near Westwood, declined to comment. It is understood the pair had a significant falling out approximately five years ago over a debt, with Bryan reportedly describing Westwood as horrible.
Fabricated Career and Bizarre Online Persona
When appointed convener of LGBTYS last year, Westwood was promoted as a highly experienced third-sector leader, lawyer, and governance specialist. However, he resigned after several charities he claimed to have served on the boards of, including the British Red Cross and mental health charity Mind, confirmed they had no record of his involvement whatsoever.
Furthermore, Westwood is not registered as a solicitor in either Scotland or England. Adding to the peculiarities, it emerged that he used a bizarre, computer-manipulated image purporting to be his face on the official LGBTYS website. After being alerted to these multiple discrepancies, the charity confirmed his resignation.
History of Scandal and Substantial Public Funding
This incident is the latest in a series of scandals to plague the organisation, which was once run by convicted paedophile James Rennie. In 2024, Rosie Millard, chair of BBC Children in Need, resigned alleging institutional failure in a dispute over £466,000 in grants awarded to LGBTYS. Children in Need subsequently confirmed it had ceased all funding for the group.
Despite this troubled history, taxpayers have footed a bill exceeding £13 million for the charity over the past decade. This extraordinary sum includes approximately £3.9 million provided directly by the Scottish Government, with the remainder coming from other financially strained public bodies such as the NHS and various local authorities.
Official Responses and Safeguarding Concerns
When questioned about the Westwood controversy earlier this week, Deputy First Minister John Swinney emphasised that all organisations must exercise their full safeguarding responsibilities, and that grant funding decisions are taken with complete scrutiny of all relevant questions.
A spokesperson for LGBT Youth Scotland stated: Our recruitment process includes becoming a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme prior to appointment to the board and the OSCR. We have contacted OSCR to make them aware of this situation. The outcome of the regulator's assessment is now awaited as pressure intensifies on the charity's future operations and funding.
