Dear Youth Scotland members and sector colleagues,
Youth Scotland is delighted to announce it has appointed Sarah Robertson as the new Chief Executive of Youth Scotland. She will start with us on 15 June, taking over from Mike Strang.
Sarah brings more than 30 years’ experience in the youth work sector, beginning as a volunteer youth worker before going on to work across local authorities including Fife, Glasgow and East Dunbartonshire. She also spent almost a decade as an Operational Manager at YouthLink Scotland, leading work across areas including mental health, health and wellbeing, equalities and inclusion, youth participation and voice, training delivery, national events and networks.
Sarah studied Community Education at Moray House before completing her master’s in Community Education at the University of Dundee. She also achieved her ILM Level 9 Leadership in Youth Work through Youth Scotland.
More recently, Sarah worked with the University of Edinburgh to support meaningful youth engagement in health research, helping to ensure young people’s voices are not just heard, but genuinely valued. She is also a former trustee of the Ocean Youth Trust.
Sarah brings a strong track record in partnership building, income diversification and youth-led design and solutions. At the heart of her work is a deep commitment to improving the lives and wellbeing of young people and championing the youth work sector.
Speaking about the appointment, Sarah said:
“Youth work runs through my veins and makes my heart beat. I have dedicated my working life to championing the difference youth work can make in a young person’s life. It’s a lifeline for so many young people where they feel heard, seen, supported and believed in. It is a sector full of kindness, fun, compassion, love and creativity which deserves to be recognised, celebrated and properly funded.
I believe young people have a Right to Youth Work. Young people are not just the future; they are the now. I’m incredibly excited to support them, alongside our member organisations, paid youth workers, volunteers, the Youth Scotland team, Trustees, Area Associations, partners and stakeholders.”
We’re sure you’ll join us in extending a warm welcome to Sarah when she joins us in June.
Bill Miller,
Youth Scotland Chair