McKendrick, who is the youth parliament’s longest serving boss, plans to stand down in June to take up a clerking role in the Scottish Parliament.
McKendrick said that working at SYP had been the privilege of his life, adding: “I am very excited about my new role but am also sad to be leaving this incredible organisation.
“I am immensely proud of all we have achieved together in my time at SYP and am especially grateful to the MSYPs, SYP Trustees, the SYP staff team, and our many partners and stakeholders across the country for their support.”
SYP chair Mollie McGoran added: “Speaking on behalf of myself, current and past trustees, and the staff team, Ben has been an inspiration to work with. His strength, passion and commitment to this organisation is unparalleled, and he will be sorely missed.
“Ben has always been an ardent supporter of youth participation and a champion of children and young people’s rights in Scotland – he will always be a Human Rights Defender.”
Members and former members of the youth parliament (MSYP) have thanked McKendrick for his work during his time in the organisation, including former chair and MSYP Suki Wan, who thanked him for being a “kind and brilliant mentor”.
Ben has had to step into many roles in his time as CEO, contributing hugely to SYP’s success and strength today but the most important being a kind and brilliant mentor, guide and champion to many MSYPs including myself.
— Suki Wan (@SukiWan) April 20, 2023
Good luck in the new role Ben, you’ll smash it as always. https://t.co/qLRv97XCI9
Current trustee and MSYP Olivia Brown also tweeted, saying McKendrick had “gone out of his way to support every MSYP” during his time in the role.
Ben has gone out of his way for the last 8 years to support every MSYP (including myself) and make SYP the most positive experience it can be for a young person. Although I and the organisation will sorely miss him, I wish him good luck in his exciting new role!🫡 https://t.co/uNBp3F4m55
— Olivia Brown MSYP (@OliviaBrown6464) April 20, 2023
SYP is a youth-led organisation that champions the rights of Scotland’s young people, and its membership consists of young people aged 14 to 25 who have been elected as representatives from Scottish local authorities and voluntary organisations.
The organisation is currently working on four national campaign priorities, including the right to food, the climate crisis, treating drugs as a public health issue, and educational attainment.
