The charity has confirmed that Rob Murray will join their team.
The British Red Cross has announced the appointment of Rob Murray as their new Director for Scotland.
Rob brings a wealth of experience across the voluntary sector and in health specifically, bringing a unique set of skills and expertise to lead the work of the Red Cross in Scotland.
He joins from Cancer Support Scotland where he was chief executive for four years.
Rob is also the chair of Voluntary Health Scotland and a keen scouter, leading their ‘Community Impact’ volunteer programme across the UK.
Rob takes over from Marie Hayes who retires after 11 years leading the organisation’s Health and Crisis Response services across Scotland.
Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross, said: “Rob’s passionate support for the voluntary sector in Scotland can be seen through his track record with prestigious organisations such as Changing Faces, Cancer Support Scotland and as the Chair of Voluntary Health Scotland.
“His experience will be an asset as we continue to grow our work in Scotland to ensure everyone gets the help they need in a crisis.”
The British Red Cross reached over 200,000 people in Scotland during the Covid pandemic, delivering food support to vulnerable people and supporting vaccination and testing drives.
The organisation supports people in the health and care system by helping patients home from hospital and onwards support and signposting, ensuring their needs are met and preventing readmission.
The charity is also working with the Scottish Government to tackle loneliness and social isolation.
More recently the Red Cross has been working with councils and other voluntary organisations to deliver food parcels to socially excluded people affected by the cost-of-living crisis, they are continuing their work to combat loneliness and as always standing ready to deliver local support through their Crisis Response teams.
The organisation is the largest independent provider of refugee support, helping thousands of newly arrived people and those seeking asylum to access basic support.
Rob will be responsible for our Health and Crisis Response work across Scotland and will also be the lead external voice for our work across Scotland and with our partners in the NHS, Government and the voluntary sector as well being the voice of our international appeals in Scotland supporting the International Red Cross Movement and the Disasters Emergency Committee.
Speaking about his new role, Rob said: “The Red Cross is a very special, world-wide humanitarian, organisation that I have long admired for their work during times of crisis and strong values. It is therefore a huge honour to be appointed as the new Director for Scotland at the British Red Cross.
“We live in a world where crises have sadly become all too common. I look forward to working with our dedicated staff and volunteers to help build resilience within communities for them to be best equipped to deal with situations when they arise.
“By working in collaboration with partners and communities we can harness the power of kindness to further the work we so desperately need to deliver.”
