Sir –

I refer to the article written in last week’s edition, which appeared to question the appropriateness of a youth organisation having a Child and Young Person Protection Policy.

In partnership with other kindred organisations, SAYFC in consultation with the association’s National Council – which are current members who represent individual members, clubs and districts – have developed and adopted a Child and Young People Protection Policy, which meets the standards set out in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014.

SAYFC has a responsibility to protect both young members and those running YF clubs. In recent years clubs have adapted well to the implementation of Risk Assessing events and adhering to new regulations around being registered charities.

Whilst meeting these requirements may initially have been challenging – the adaptability and enthusiasm of SAYFC’s members are just two attributes that I repeatedly hear from SAYFC’s stakeholders and other youth groups that sets the association apart from other organisations. These qualities have developed and shaped SAYFC into the association it has become. These requirements are now embedded into the culture of the association, and I have no doubt that the Child and Young People Protection Policy will be adopted in the same manner.

Club and district office bearers should take great comfort that SAYFC staff members and National/Regional office bearers continue to be on standby, ready to assist any club or district in better understanding the policy, enabling them to protect young members and clubs.

Penny Montgomerie

Chief executive

SAYFC