'Transforming An Organisation For Impact' James McCulloch

Welcoming James McCulloch, CEO of Victim Support / Manaaki Tāngata, to Purposely.

In this episode, James shares the work of Victim Support, a national organisation dedicated to ensuring no one in Aotearoa must face the impact of crime or traumatic events alone.

The organisation provides practical help, information, emotional support, funding, and referrals to other services, helping people during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

James took on the role of CEO during a turbulent period. The organisation was under public scrutiny, including negative media coverage highlighting internal challenges such as staff dissatisfaction and strained relationships with key stakeholders.

Since then, he has worked to rebuild trust—both inside and outside the organisation—by improving working conditions, addressing long-standing issues, strengthening frontline services and growing funding.  A focus on listening to staff and restoring confidence has helped Victim Support become more stable and effective.

Born in Melbourne Australia but raised in North Wales, UK, James began his career in horticulture and landscape architecture. He later held senior management roles in local government, including with the City of London Corporation, where he was responsible for managing major public spaces and historic assets. This experience helped develop his skills in operational leadership, community engagement, and public service delivery.

After moving to New Zealand with his family, James worked in the non-profit and education sectors, including with English Language Partners and Inspire Group. He joined Victim Support with a clear focus: prioritise the needs of victims and build an organisation where staff are supported and equipped to deliver.

He has introduced changes to reduce caseloads, improve staff wellbeing, and to begin building stronger connections with Māori, rainbow communities, and other under-served groups. He’s also focused on using technology to improve services and growing partnerships to extend Victim Support’s reach.

Looking ahead, Victim Support / Manaaki Tāngata aims to ensure that every victim of crime in Aotearoa receives an offer of support. Scaling operations sustainably—while keeping staff wellbeing at the forefront—is a key challenge, alongside reducing reliance on government funding to strengthen long-term resilience.

James’s approach to leadership is shaped by a career spent in growth-focused leadership roles across New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. From managing parks and heritage sites in central London to leading a frontline support service, he brings a steady, pragmatic focus to helping communities through complex and often difficult circumstances.