A Scottish LGBT charity has launched an investigation after its chair resigned amid accusations he made up senior executive roles at prominent voluntary organisations.
LGBT Youth Scotland, in a public statement on Tuesday, confirmed Timothy Westwood resigned as trustee chair following media allegations that he lied about holding executive roles at Mind and the British Red Cross.
British Red Cross told Civil Society that it has no record that someone under that name worked at the charity. It is understood that Mind also has no record of Westwood working there either.
Scottish charities regulator OSCR confirmed that LGBT Youth Scotland has made it aware of its investigation and said it would assess the information which has come to light.
This comes after the Times published claims that Westwood had embellished his CV and used artificial intelligence tools to enhance profile photos.
The charity said that it has launched a full investigation into the allegations, but that it was unable to comment further on specific allegations.
“However, we are committed to transparency and will share an update on any outcome as appropriate,” it stated.
Recruitment process changes
According to Companies House, Timothy Guy Westwood was appointed on 6 January in 2025 and resigned on 10 April this year.
He is listed as a British director, now resigned, at LGBT Youth Scotland born in September 2000, which would make him 25 years old.
LGBT Youth Scotland said that as chair Westwood attended in-person board meetings after a “robustly” conducted recruitment process.
However, the charity said that changes needed to be made in the wake of Westwood’s resignation.
“This situation has demonstrated that additional steps may be needed to better align the full breadth of recruitment processes,” it said.
The charity added that it would seek to ensure board positions are subject to the same checks as staff going forward.
In November 2024, The Times reported that former BBC Children in Need chair Rosie Millard’s decision to step down after six years was linked to grants awarded to LGBT Youth Scotland.
