Violence Reduction Unit director Karyn McCluskey joins Scottish Professional Football League board

Karyn McCluskey, the director of a specialist unit set up to reduce violence across Scotland, has been appointed to the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) board.

McCluskey, who heads up the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), has been handed an unpaid, non-executive director role on the SPFL board.

The VRU, which sits within Police Scotland, was launched over a decade ago by then Strathclyde Police in an effort to combat youth offending within Glasgow.

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The unit, which McCluskey set up along with the then deputy head of CID, John Carnochan, now runs a number of projects focused on preventing violence.

McCluskey, originally trained as a nurse, will be the first figure from outside football to sit on the SPFL board, joining eight others.            

“I work with hundreds of children, many of whom love playing and watching football; their lives are often shaped by what they see on the pitch,” she said.

“I want them to be able to go to watch a game and, win or lose, know that sport is a great thing to take part in and watch. So I have accepted this role on their behalf.

“My wish is that we allow them to remain children as long as possible, free from racism, sexism and violence in every area of their lives. I hope we can enable them to enjoy becoming the next players and supporters of football clubs over the coming decades.

“I don’t own a football club or claim any expert knowledge about the game itself. What I do know about is changing behaviour for the better. I’ve worked in reducing all forms of violence across Scotland for nearly 11 years. I know what damage a small number of people can cause. I know it’s serious.

“But football has been transformed from where it was decades ago, thanks to everyone’s efforts.

“I think we often forget just how much has been achieved. I hope I can help play my part in those ongoing efforts to ensure success in the coming decades. We need to focus on the assets we have in Scotland. Let’s be proud of the progress that’s been made but never be complacent that it’s enough.”

SPFL chairman Ralph Topping said: “Karyn brings with her a wide range of skills, experience and expertise, together with a strong, independent mindset.

“Her time in the public sector has seen her work closely with government and in many communities in Scotland, which we believe will be of benefit to the SPFL board and our member clubs across a wide range of current and future activities.”