The country’s leading crime victim support agency is transitioning from its 37-year-old volunteer-based service to a fully staff-based workforce by 1 July.
Victim Support Chief Executive James McCulloch told legacy media that the shift aims to improve support consistency amid increasing demand, with victim numbers rising 37% from 2018 to 2024.
While acknowledging the invaluable contributions of volunteers, McCulloch said the move reflects a national decline in formal volunteering and the need for sustainable, professional support.
The transition will be managed within the charity’s existing budget, enabling the recruitment of 14 additional frontline staff.
That’s good, the tyranny of the gift and all that.