Rape Crisis Scotland chief executive stepping down after 24 years

The chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland is stepping down after 24 years at the organisation.

Sandy Brindley said it has been a “privilege” to work in the rape crisis movement and to “transform how Scotland responds to sexual violence”.

Ms Brindley has been involved in the movement for more than three decades, starting as a volunteer support worker in Glasgow in 1994.

She left to set up Rape Crisis Scotland in 2002.

Alev Taylor has been appointed interim chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland and will take over following Ms Brindley’s departure this month.

Ms Brindley said: “The Rape Crisis movement in Scotland is full of wonderful, dedicated and passionate staff and volunteers – it has been such a privilege to work alongside them to stand with survivors, and to transform how Scotland responds to sexual violence.

“I’m really pleased to hand over to Alev, who I know cares as much about the Rape Crisis movement, and making Scotland a better place for survivors of sexual violence, as I do.”

Rape Crisis Scotland said Ms Brindley has worked tirelessly to challenge public attitudes around rape and sexual violence and raise awareness about the issue.

In 2000 she was involved in a failed legal challenge seeking to prevent convicted rapist Mike Tyson into the UK for a boxing match at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Lindsey Millen, chairwoman of Rape Crisis Scotland’s board, paid tribute to Ms Brindley.

She said: “Sandy has been with Rape Crisis Scotland since the organisation’s inception, and she has been supporting survivors of rape and sexual violence for more than 30 years.

“Sandy’s unwavering commitment to improving support and justice services for survivors has always been at the very heart of her work.

“We extend our thanks for her decades of dedication and wish her all the best in her next chapter.”

Ms Taylor said: “It’s a real honour to come into a national organisation that has made life-changing differences to survivors across Scotland for more than two decades.

“I have confidence that the foundation for the rape crisis movement across Scotland will stand strong in the years to come.

“I am delighted to work with such a steadfast and caring team over the upcoming period of transition and remain firm in my commitment to support survivors and end sexual violence.”