Posted on: November 1, 2023, 09:34h.
Last updated on: November 1, 2023, 09:34h.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has welcomed seven new commissioners to its roster to provide guidance for the gaming regulator. Interestingly, none of the appointees have professional experience in the industry.
The UKGC made the announcement regarding the new appointments on Tuesday, revealing that the seven individuals officially assumed their roles on September 11. While the absence of professionals from the gambling industry may raise concerns, there are potential advantages to their inclusion. By bringing in individuals with expertise and understanding of the sector, regulators can make well-informed decisions and navigate the complexities of the industry.
Furthermore, these commissioners can provide valuable insights into emerging technologies, trends, and potential risks within the gambling sector. This information is instrumental in crafting effective regulations that can adapt to the rapidly evolving industry.
Most importantly, having gaming industry professionals with hands-on experience can offer practical perspectives on how regulations impact businesses. This allows for the development of more realistic and feasible regulatory frameworks.
The lack of representation from the gaming industry within the UKGC has been a recurring issue. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that this situation will change for at least the next four years.
The New Four-Year Commissioners
Lloydette Bai-Marrow
Lloydette Bai-Marrow is a founding partner of ParaMetric Global Consulting, a firm specializing in economic crime investigations. She has also worked as a senior prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service and served on the panel for WhistleblowersUK.
Additionally, she chairs the Spotlight on Corruption, a non-profit organization dedicated to exposing corruption within the UK and internationally.
Helen Phillips
Dr. Helen Phillips currently serves as the chair of NHS Professionals Ltd and the Chartered Insurance Institute. She previously held the position of chair at the Legal Services Board for eight years.
With a background in Zoology and a PhD in Environmental Science, Phillips has extensive experience in environmental policies. She has held executive positions in organizations such as Natural England and the Environment Agency.
David Rossington CB
David Rossington is the deputy chair of the Advisory Committee on National Records and Archives. Prior to this role, he had a career with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
During his time with the DCMS, Rossington was involved in facilitating the UK’s gambling reforms and led the Blythe House Programme. This program aims to improve public access to objects held by major British museums.
Before joining the DCMS, Rossington held various directorial roles with the Department for Communities and Local Government.
The New Five-Year Commissioners
Charles Counsell
Charles Counsell previously served as the CEO of The Pensions Regulator and as the executive director of automatic enrollment. He also held the position of CEO at The Money Advice Service before it became part of the Money and Pensions Service.
Helen Dodds OStJ
Helen Dodds is a lawyer with a broad range of experience. She has served as a non-executive director for the London Court of International Arbitration and as the head of dispute resolution for Standard Chartered Bank.
Additionally, Dodds is a consultant and honorary senior fellow of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law. She is also the director of LegalUK, an organization advocating for the use of English law in domestic and international business matters.
Sheree Howard
Sheree Howard currently holds the position of Executive Director of Risk & Compliance Oversight for the Financial Conduct Authority. She previously worked as the Director of Advisory, Commercial and Private Banking, Conduct and Regulatory Affairs for the Royal Bank of Scotland.
In addition to her roles in the financial sector, Howard has a background as an actuary and has held various positions with Direct Line Group, a UK-based insurance company.
Claudia Mortimore
Claudia Mortimore has been the Deputy Executive Counsel for the Financial Reporting Council for the past five years. She has a long history with the regulatory entity and has contributed to the development of the UK’s Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes.
Prior to her work with the Financial Reporting Council, Mortimore held positions with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office, and a law firm called Red Lion Chambers.