Rosy Burgess

Head of Participation and Programmes

she/her

Rosy is SYP’s Head of Participation and Programmes, she leads the team working on SYP’s participation, training, elections, events, and project work.

I’ve been at SYP since 2013 – I started out as the Events Officer, running SYP’s national Sittings, and in 2015, my role changed to Events and Campaigns Officer, where I was leading on SYP’s campaigns as well as national events. In 2022, I became Governance and Events Manager, leading on SYP’s events and elections, which I did for a year until I was promoted to Head of Participation and Programmes in August 2023. Before I came to SYP, I worked in Human Resources for a student union for three years, and had various hospitality jobs since I was at high school.

I love learning, and have recently finished a BA (Hons) in International Studies, which I’ve been studying part time since 2015. I also have a Masters degree in Human Resource Management, and a BSc in Ecological Sciences (Conservation Management), but working at SYP has cemented my passion for youth voice, so I’m hoping to start studying for a Masters degree in youth participation in 2023 – one day, I hope to do a PhD too!

I love crafts, particularly crocheting and craftivism, and I am a big fan of exploring new places. If I can combine travel and crafts, even better! I bought a new (old!) flat in January 2023, which I’m currently renovating, so I’m also obsessed with Pinterest boards, paint colours, and furniture shopping!

I have been a member of Girlguiding since I was five, and I’ve been volunteering as a leader my whole adult life. I currently run Brownies and Guides units in Edinburgh, working with girls and young women aged 7 – 14.

My absolute favourite films are the Jurassic Park / World movies – I love dinosaurs, and my most recent birthday was dinosaur themed!