Charity Commission Response to a Complaint Raised Against Space Youth Project, Dorset - May 2024

On 18th May, 2024 Space Youth Project, funded by both Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council publicised on Instagram and Facebook that a demonstration would be held the following day, against the Cass Review.    

Women of Dorset were so concerned that a publicly funded organisation had published and encourged  vulnerable children, young people, parents and carers to protest against the recommendations of the Cass Review that they contacted the Charity Commission with their concerns.  

Women of Dorset believed that Space Youth Project was not acting in accordance with the updated NHS Guidelines, in relation to issues of gender identity and gender dysphoria.

Below is the Charity Commission response.  Highlighted is the outcome from the Commissioners who would be contacting the Trustees of Space Youth Project with advice and guidance, ensuring that they had regard to the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Cass Review and that Space Youth Project would need to review their literature, website and guidance, in light of them.  

Women of Dorset would continue to monitor the actions of Space Youth Project. 

SPACE YOUTH PROJECT : 1167902

Thank you for your email of 19 May.  I am sorry for the delay in responding.

We understand you are concerned about the charity and appreciate you sending us information.  You have raised a concern that the charity may not be acting in accordance with updated NHS guidelines, specifically in relation to issues of gender identity and gender dysphoria.

Our decision

We have carefully reviewed all the information you sent us.

As you may be aware, the Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People (‘The Cass Review’) commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement in Autumn 2020 published its final report in April 2024. The Cass Review set out its recommendations on a range of issues which affect children and young people who are questioning their gender identity or experiencing gender dysphoria. This has resulted in changes to NHS guidelines, in particular with regard to the clinical approach to care and support.

It is not for the Commission to determine whether information issued and published by the charity is correct.  We have decided that on this occasion the best way forward is to provide the trustees with regulatory advice and guidance about ensuring that they have regard to the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Cass Review and ensuring that they have reviewed their charity’s literature, website and guidance in light of them.

Please note it is not the Commission’s practice to keep those who raise concerns informed or updated.

How we make our decisions

When making our decisions, we consider the issue and look at the risk to anyone who comes into contact with the charity, along with the risk to the charity itself. It’s important that we consider the likely impact of our involvement, so we can make a fair and balanced decision about whether to act.  All decisions are made following the principles set out in the Charity Commission Regulatory and Risk Framework.

Yours sincerely