SYP Staff

To support the work of our MSYPs, the Scottish Youth Parliament employs a staff team based in its office at Rosebery House in Edinburgh. You can find out more about them below, or alternatively if you're looking for our staff structure, you can find it at the bottom of the page.

Ann Brown - General Manager

E-mail: ann.b@syp.org.uk

Ann Brown is the General Manager of the SYP, the organisation's lead member of staff. Ann has over 15 years of diverse management experience, covering service development, project management and fundraising. Ann joined the SYP in May 2008 from RNID, where she was Service Development & Project Manager. It is the General Manager's job to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Scottish Youth Parliament, to manage all SYP staff and to ensure organisational stability and strong strategic direction. The General Manager is also SYP Ltd Company Secretary.

Interesting Fact? Ann's efforts in card-making, complete with pink toilet tissue, were recognised by Jackie Magazine in 1974, which featured her Valentine card to teenage heart-throb David Cassidy.

Steven Kidd - Corporate Affairs Manager

E-mail: steven.k@syp.org.uk

Steven Kidd has been employed with the SYP since May of 2004, having previously been involved with the organisation as a volunteer, latterly as Chair. Having held a number of positions within the SYP, Steven is now responsible for strategic development, organisational innovation and co-ordinating the SYP’s communications and policy agenda, alongside Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Interesting Fact? Steven is an investor in a Rwandan barber shop and in a tailoring business in Cambodia.

Iain Fleming - Head of Programmes

E-mail: iain.f@syp.org.uk

Iain Fleming joined the SYP’s Roars not Whispers project from the Scottish Executive after delivering the 2005 World Youth Congress. Iain was responsible for the development and delivery of the 2007 and 2008 CIVICUS Youth Assemblies in Glasgow and relocated to handover the event to Montreal. Iain heads up our UK and International programmes and is actively working with Westminster, Holyrood and around the world ensuring Young Scots have platforms for representation.

Interesting Fact? Iain represented Scotland in the inter-Library School Championship, losing on the final question in the final round because a harp is not a stringed instrument… it’s percussion?

Marie Macfarlane - Youth Participation Officer

E-mail: marie.m@syp.org.uk

Marie Macfarlane joined the SYP in December 2007 from Care Co-ordination Network UK. Marie works closely with all MSYPs and is responsible for managing the SYP's relationships with Local Authorities and voluntary organisations, child protection/youth work issues and co-ordinating the SYP's training programme.

Interesting Fact? Whilst part of her university athletics team, Marie ran a race in the Scottish University Championship as the only competitor - she 'won' and ended up with a medal for her efforts!

Samantha McDonald - Office Manager

E-mail: samantha.m@syp.org.uk

Samantha McDonald has been SYP Office Manager since February of 2006, having spent the previous six months backpacking around the world. Samantha is responsible for the day-to-day running of the SYP Office and to provide financial and administrative support within the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Interesting Fact? Samantha appeared alongside Hugh Grant in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral

Rob Gowans - Communications & Policy Assistant

E-mail: rob.g@syp.org.uk

Rob Gowans joined the SYP at the beginning of 2007 after graduating from university. Rob is our Communications and Policy Assistant and his wide-ranging duties include producing policy information briefings, website and communications support, organising the annual SYP Awards and SYP Board Elections as well as being the first point of contact for enquiries to the organisation.

Interesting Fact? Rob is an ordained internet minister and can legally conduct marriages in 27 US states.

Kate Bouchier-Hayes - Events Co-ordinator

Email: kate.b@syp.org.uk

Kate Bouchier-Hayes is responsible for organising events for both the SYP and Roars not Whispers, including our National Sittings. Kate joined the organisation in March 2009 after having previously worked for Queen Margaret University Students Union.

Interesting Fact? Kate was once hit by a double-decker bus and miraculously escaped with a small graze on her elbow.

Francesca Logan - Communications Assistant

Email: francesca.l@syp.org.uk

Francesca Logan joined SYP in November 2009 after completing a Marketing & Events placement with the national volunteering charity ProjectScotland. With a background in design Francesca uses visual and written communication to put forth the voice of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Interesting Fact? Francesca designed a unique coffee table at university made from wax.

Neil Burn - projects Officer

E-mail: neil.b@syp.org.uk

Neil joined the SYP from the Roars not Whispers project to develop and deliver new projects for the SYP. He brings relevant experience of project delivery, training and youth engagement to the post and is passionate about keeping young people at the heart of his work.

Interesting Fact? Neil has a qualification in 'dough management' and is a Grade 2 pizza chef.

John-Paul McCabe - sessional worker

E-mail: johnpaul.m@syp.org.uk

John-Paul is a former Peer Leader form Roars not Whisper’s with experience in youth engagement and empowerment of young people. He joins SYP after graduating from Stirling University where he completed his Dissertation on the impact of devolution on the third sector and young people’s political participation. John-Paul will be working on the No Knives, Better Lives and The Pupil Council Projects as well as promoting and assisting the consultation process of the manifestos.

Interesting Fact? Has an unfortunate level of knowledge and subsequent interest in Tea and Coffee and can actively hold a conversation on the subject for in excess of 15minutes, or sign for approximately 10 seconds!

'Roars not Whispers' Staff

Together with the Oxfam in Scotland and Volunteer Development Scotland the Scottish Youth Parliament is involved in a project, initially financed by the Big Lottery Fund, to develop the potential of young people across Scotland. Find out about the project staff below...

Sarah Stocks - Project Manager

E-mail: sarah.s@syp.org.uk

Project Manager for Roars not Whispers is Sarah Stocks, who joined from Big Lottery Fund Scotland. Sarah is responsible for the overall development and delivery of the project, managing the project staff and ensuring the project continues to meet its objectives.

Interesting Fact? Sarah took part in an unsuccessful world record attempt - a kilometre long roller-disco conga line in London!

Nik Clifton - National Development Worker

E-mail: nik.c@syp.org.uk

Nik joined as National Development Workers in November 2008, having recently relocated to Scotland. Nik brings really relevant experience in supporting young people to raise their voices, most recently as Participation Officer for the Children's Bureau and prior to this in working with The Campaign Company.