Head of Rape Crisis Scotland steps down after 24 years

The chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, Sandy Brindley, is to step down after 24 years working for the charity.

Brindley began working as a volunteer support worker on a helpline in Glasgow when she was 21 before leaving to set up Rape Crisis Scotland in 2002.

She has had a major influence in raising awareness of sexual violence and shaping legal changes, although at times she has been embroiled in controversy.

In September 2024 she apologised "unreservedly" to rape survivors after a review found that Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre had failed to provide women-only spaces for 16 months.

Alev Taylor has been appointed interim chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland.

One of the most notable early public actions in Brindley's career came in 2000, when she was involved in a legal challenge seeking to prevent the boxer Mike Tyson—who had a previous rape conviction—from entering the UK.

The petition at the Court of Session was ultimately dismissed.

Commenting on her decision to step down, 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."

Lindsey Millen, who chairs Rape Crisis Scotland's board, 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."

Taylor has previously held senior roles at organisations supporting survivors of sexual violence.

She was chief executive of Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland and also spent seven years working for Rape Crisis services in England.

"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," she said.