The chair of BBC’s Children in Need, Rosie Millard, has resigned, citing concerns over grants given to an LGBT+ organization whose former chief was convicted of child sex assaults. Millard criticized the grants awarded to LGBT Youth Scotland (LGBTYS), totaling £466,000, despite the organization’s former CEO, James Rennie, being jailed in 2009 for his involvement in a paedophile ring.
Rennie, who chaired LGBTYS from 2003 to 2008, was convicted of serious charges including the abuse of a three-month-old boy. Children in Need’s grants to LGBTYS began shortly after Rennie’s conviction, prompting Millard to raise the issue with the board. The funding was eventually withdrawn after a review, leading to Millard’s resignation.
LGBTYS has defended itself against the allegations, stating that the historic charges had no connection to their work and that police investigations had cleared them of any wrongdoing. The charity, which engages with hundreds of young LGBTQ+ individuals annually, receives funding from the Scottish Government and plays a vital role in supporting LGBTQ+ youth.
In response to Millard’s resignation, the BBC has expressed gratitude for her leadership and the impact she has had on children and young people through her role at Children in Need. Despite the controversy surrounding the grants to LGBTYS, the charity remains committed to supporting children across the UK.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by organizations when allegations of misconduct or past controversies arise. It also underscores the importance of thorough reviews and transparency in decision-making processes to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
Moving forward, it is crucial for charities and funding bodies to maintain high standards of accountability and integrity in their operations. By learning from this incident and implementing measures to prevent similar issues in the future, organizations can uphold their missions and continue to make a positive impact on the communities they serve.
