Our Trustees

The affairs of the organisation are governed by a Board of Trustees who are all under the age of 26. The Board is made up of a Chair, Vice Chair and four Trustee Directors, you can find out more about them below...

Chair - Derek Couper MSYP

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

Derek Couper MSYP became SYP Chair in June 2009. Derek is 18, and represents his home town of Livingston, West Lothian in the SYP. As Chair, Derek's role includes overseeing the work and portfolios of the other Board members as well as working closely with the SYP General Manager. Derek also represents the SYP on a number of external groups, such as the Scottish Parliament's Cross-Party Group on Children and Young People, of which he is a Vice Convener. He has also recently began studying for a degree in Law at Edinburgh University.

Interesting Fact? When he was 15, Derek’s trumpet skills led to him being part of a group of young people who recorded the Blue Peter theme tune – the same recording is still used today!

Vice Chair - Liam Beattie MSYP

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

SYP's Vice Chair is 17 year-old Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSYP Liam Beattie. Liam hails from Hawick in and was recognised for his excellent work by being named as 'Young Ambassador of the Year' at the Scottish Borders Awards. He has been an MSYP for two years. Liam's portfolio as Vice Chair includes working with the General Manager on UK and International programmes and chairing meetings of the SYP Conveners Group in a non-voting capacity.

Interesting Fact? Liam can say "hello" in nine different languages.

Trustee Director - Jodie Campbell MSYP

E-mail: jodie.campbell.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

Bubbly Paisley North MSYP Jodie Campbell is one of four Trustee Directors on the SYP Board. 18 year-old Jodie comes from Elderslie in Renfrewshire, and is lead Trustee for events and outreach work. Jodie represents the Board at the SYP Events Group, which includes helping to plan our National Sittings, as well as supporting the SYP's engagement with schools and youth forums.

Trustee Director - Claire Ewing MSYP

E-mail: claire.ewing.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

19 year-old Fifer Claire Ewing MSYP represents Dunfermline West. Claire previous work for the SYP saw her featured as one of ten 'Moving Stories' in an exhibition to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament. As Trustee Director, Claire's duties include working with the SYP General Manager on new programmes and initiatives, as well as representing the Board at the SYP Procedures Group, which focusses on internal procedures and practices.

Trustee Director – Aamir Riaz MSYP

Email: mohammedaamir.riaz.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

Aamir Riaz is 19 years old and is an MSYP for Glasgow Pollok, as well as studying for a law degree at Strathclyde University. Aamir's portfolio as a Trustee Director includes representing the Board in engagement work with local authorities and national voluntary organisations. Working with the Procedures Group, Aamir is looking into how new ways of engagement with hard-to-reach groups and former MSYPs.

Trustee Director - Kris Sinclair MSYP

E-mail: kris.sinclair.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

Representing the SYP Conveners Group on the Board is Paisley South MSYP Kris Sinclair. Kris hails from Johnstone, Renfrewshire and is also Convener of the External Affairs Committee. He has been an MSYP for three years was previously SYP Vice Chair. As Board lead on policy and campaigns, Kris works with staff and the Conveners Group to co-ordinate sharing the views of young people with decision-makers, and planning our 'Being Young is Not a Crime' campaign.

Interesting Fact? Kris was once almost killed by a rocket-propelled can of baked beans.