British Gambling Commission seeks new chair
The regulator has posted a job ad for the position, which has been filled on an interim basis for over a year.
UK.- A year after Marcus Boyle stepped down as chair of the British Gambling Commission, the regulator has posted a job advert seeking to fill the position. Charles Counsell OBE has been serving on an interim basis since February 2025.
While the regulator said Counsell had helped steer it through the still-ongoing implementation of the Gambling Act White Paper Review while coordinating industry discussions and feedback, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is now looking to fill the position on a more permanent basis.
The new chair will take up the position following a period in which the regulator has been increasing its communication with the industry but also as market conditions toughen following the introduction of the mandatory gambling levy last year and upcoming UK gambling tax rises.
The job advert stresses the challenges that the position involves. It states: “As the Gambling Commission continues to work with the DCMS to implement the recommendations of the Gambling Act Review White Paper. the next few years provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make gambling safer, fairer and crime free. A new Chair will help put the Commission in a prime position to grasp that opportunity in full.
“The new Chair will also support the government’s plan for change, with a regulatory environment that enables economic growth while protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed by gambling.”
The Gambling Commission chair provides strategic leadership of its board, setting the overall direction, policy and plans for the Gambling Commission. That includes supporting and holding the executive to account to ensure delivery of the business plan and forward strategy, encouraging high standards of propriety and promoting the efficient and effective use of resources throughout the organisation, as well as leading and motivating the commissioners and chief executive in undertaking their roles, including agreeing objectives and undertaking annual appraisals.
As for the skills and experience it’s looking for, the Gambling Commission said: “To execute the role successfully you will need the skills and abilities essential for chairing a high-profile public organisation as well as an understanding of fast moving, highly competitive markets and a knowledge of regulated industries. While you may not yet have held a similar non-executive role, you will have senior equivalent experience.
“The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they can command the confidence of the companies and organisations within the gambling industry and work constructively with the National Lottery operator, as well as have empathy and respect within the consumer landscape. A knowledge of the workings of Government would be a particular advantage. The candidate does not, however, need experience working directly within the gambling industry or in organisations aiming to tackle gambling harm.”
It stressed that where a candidate does have experience of the sector, they should be able to demonstrate how they will act in an impartial way. The Gambling Commission cites a time commitment of two days per week. Applications will be open until March 14.
