Victim Support Scotland has appointed Carolyn McLeod, former director of client legal services at the Scottish Legal Aid Board, as its chief executive.
She succeeds Kate Wallace, who stepped down in November for health reasons after eight years at the charity.
McLeod will assume the role in September, with the charity’s interim leader, Debbie Adams, remaining in post until then.
She joins the victim support charity from Scottish Legal Aid Board, where she has been director of client legal services since February 2023.
Before this, McLeod was an audit director at Audit Scotland, a role she held for more than two years.
She also spent nearly 11 years working for the Scottish government in senior positions, including as unit head of its leadership and talent management division.
McLeod also worked at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for almost 11 years.
She is also a non-executive director at the SSPCA and at the Rock Trust, roles she has held for more than six and seven years respectively.
McLeod said: “Victim Support Scotland plays a vital role in ensuring that people affected by crime receive the practical, emotional and financial support they need, while also championing their rights and influencing positive change across the justice system.”
She said she was looking forward to working alongside the charity’s staff, volunteers, trustees and partners, adding: “Together, we will continue to ensure that victims and witnesses remain at the heart of justice in Scotland, and that Victim Support Scotland remains a trusted voice, a leading advocate and a source of support for every person who needs us.”
James Pow, chair of Victim Support Scotland, said: “[McLeod] brings a rare combination of strategic leadership, deep understanding of Scotland’s justice landscape, strong governance experience and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for people affected by crime.
“I know she will be an outstanding leader for Victim Support Scotland, our staff and volunteers, and the victims and witnesses we exist to support.”