Demand BBC Children In Need CEO Resigns!
CitizenGO - started this petition to Simon Antrobus, Tony Okotie and the Trustees of Children in Need - 2024/11/22Update: We delivered your signatures to the BBC on the 24/01/2025
Ever wondered how Children in Need allocates their funds?
Well, wonder no more. One of their beneficiaries since 2009 until very recently has been LGBT Youth Scotland.
LGBT Youth Scotland might sound familiar to you. Yes, it is the same organisation that is mired in child protection scandals and has links with multiple convicted pedophiles.
Their former CEO, James Rennie, was convicted for heinous offences against children, one being as young as three months old. More recently, Andrew Easton, who has designed ‘educational materials’ for the charity, has been convicted of disturbing images of children, including newborn babies.
Alarmingly, LGBT Youth Scotland has received £466,000 worth of grants from Children in Need and is still involved with kids as young as four in primary schools. All of this funding was gradually given to LGBT Youth Scotland following the conviction of James Renie in 2009.
LGBT Youth Scotland was due to receive more funds in 2024. However, Rose Millard, a trustee, flagged her concerns regarding safeguarding children who come into contact with LGBT Youth Scotland following a second scandal related to child sexual abuse.
What was the response of Children in Need CEO Simon Antrobus? He responded disinterestedly that this news had ruined his enjoyment of a Bruce Springsteen concert!
It then took Children in Need over 3 months to investigate and cut funding from LGBT Youth Scotland. This is absolutely unacceptable!
Children in Need is supposed to help improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. Yet, they have done the opposite and show no remorse for their errors!
We must ensure Children in Need holds high standards for safeguarding. They’ve failed their duty to protect vulnerable children.
Funding organisations like LGBT Youth Scotland shows a glaring oversight in due diligence. £39.2m raised needs to be allocated safely now more than ever. This is a call for reform within Children in Need before more harm comes.
Children in Need relies on public funds and trust. They have failed to deliver what they promised!
It is time for a full review of their grant allocations. We can’t allow them to fund charities linked to child abuse!
Stand up and have your say! Your voice can prevent future resource misallocation and restore integrity within these frameworks.
Without holding the BBC Children in Need CEO and Trustees accountable, similar dangers could persist, harming more innocent children.
We must act now before this year's funds are allocated! We need widespread signatures to protect vulnerable children and ensure ethical funding.
Sign the petition demanding CEO Simon Antrobus to resign and for Grants Director Tony Okotie, Trustees of Children in Need, to issue a formal apology for funding LGBT Youth Scotland linked to child protection scandals.
More Information:
BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp35652x26yo
The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/children-in-need-resignation-lgbt-charity-b2651525.html
12,153 have signed.
Let's get to 20,000
- 5 days ago
Patricia M.
- 6 days ago
Stephen M.
Recent signers
Reform Funding and Leadership at Children in Need
We demand a formal apology from Children in Need for funding LGBT Youth Scotland, linked to child protection scandals.
Undeniably, this reflects a lapse in due diligence, shaking public trust in safeguarding children.
Historical and recent scandals linked to LGBT Youth Scotland, including convictions, raise severe concerns about its governance and ability to safeguard its beneficiaries.
Children in Need must reform its grant allocation systems to prevent further cases like this from occurring in the future.
We also demand that CEO Simon Antrobus take accountability for his negligence and comments and step down, offering new leadership to rebuild trust and credibility.
We need transparency, with a clear plan to address these concerns and uphold children's welfare.
Safeguarding is non-negotiable; funds should support credible and safe organizations that help improve children’s lives.
This misallocation and lack of oversight is a disservice to donors and children.
Trust must be restored with immediate reforms and responsible leadership.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]