Mark Castle OBE joins Victim Support as new Chief Executive

Victim Support’s new Chief Executive, Mark Castle OBE, has today joined the independent charity for victims and witnesses of crime.

Last year the charity offered help to more than one million victims of crime; and supported more than 200,000 witnesses in court. Across England and Wales thousands of specially trained volunteers provide emotional and practical support to victims and witnesses in their local area.

Mark Castle OBE joins the charity from the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), where he was Chief Executive. In 2012 he secured funding for the APCC from all 41 newly-elected police and crime commissioners.  Previously he was CEO of the Association of Police Authorities (APA) following a 31 year career in the Army.

Mark currently sits on a number of boards and committees in criminal justice agencies including the College of Policing.

Enid Rowlands, Chair of Victim Support’s Board of Trustees said:

“Mark Castle is well placed to drive the charity’s work of speaking up for victims’ rights to ensure they are put at the heart of the criminal justice system. Mark brings to the role a wealth of leadership and management experience alongside an in-depth knowledge into criminal justice. And we look forward to the charity thriving under his leadership.”

Mark Castle OBE, Chief Executive of Victim Support, said:

“I look forward to working with the staff and volunteers at Victim Support, who deliver such a high quality and important service, as well as the millions of crime victims who have been supported by our charity during our 40 year history.

“This is a challenging and exciting time for the charity with commissioning bringing both change and opportunities. I’m confident that Victim Support will continue to grow from strength to strength as it goes about helping victims and witnesses cope as well as possible.”