Rape Crisis Scotland head Sandy Brindley steps down after 24 years

Sandy Brindley, who has been part of the Rape Crisis movement for more than three decades, started as a volunteer support worker in Glasgow in 1994 before leaving to set up Rape Crisis Scotland in 2002.

She will be replaced by Alev Taylor as interim chief executive.

Ms Brindley’s time at the helm of Rape Crisis Scotland has not been without controversy.

In September 2024, an independent review earlier found rape victims were damaged by catastrophic failings at the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC).

The review into ERCC found the former chief executive of the centre – Mridul Wadhwa – had failed to protect women-only spaces, failed to set professional standards of behaviour, and did not understand the limits on her role’s authority.

Ms Wadhwa, a trans woman who has worked in the gender violence and equalities sectors in Scotland since 2005, stepped down following the publication of the report.

At the time, Rape Crisis Scotland said it would "ensure no repeat of the failings" in Edinburgh through recommendations suggested in the report, although Ms Brindley faced calls for her resignation.

Ms Brindley, who in 2000, was involved in a legal challenge seeking to prevent the boxer Mike Tyson—who had a previous rape conviction—from entering the UK, 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.”

Chair of Rape Crisis Scotland’s board Lindsey Millen 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.

“We are also delighted to welcome Alev, who will lead the organisation on an interim basis. She brings a wealth of experience and shares Rape Crisis Scotland’s commitment to supporting survivors and ending sexual violence.”

Ms Taylor, who has previously held senior roles at organisations supporting survivors of sexual violence, including chief executive of Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland, 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.”

She added: “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. I wish Sandy all the very best.”

Scottish Conservative deputy chairwoman Pam Gosal MSP said: “This announcement is long overdue. “Rape crisis centres should be a safe haven for women. But, Rape Crisis Scotland has been more concerned with imposing extremist gender ideology on both staff and traumatised victims.

“Ultimately, the buck stops with SNP ministers who have failed to tackle the toxic culture inside Scotland’s Rape Crisis Centres and ensure they are providing single-sex spaces.”

She added: “Personnel change alone isn't enough. If Rape Crisis Scotland and the SNP government are to regain the trust of women they must follow the Supreme Court ruling and guarantee single-sex spaces for women and girls.”