Gordon Moody overhauls leadership team amid UK gambling RET shakeup
The charity has refreshed its board as it adapts to the new funding system under the UK Gambling Levy.
UK.- The treatment provider Gordon Moody has overhauled its leadership team at what is a pivotal moment for the sector. Claire Arnold, who has been a trustee for five years, has been appointed as chair following the death of Nazir Badat. Meanwhile, Jon Murray has been named chief executive officer.
Gordon Moody runs residential centres across England as well as online counselling, open to all UK residents. Its new leadership team must adapt to the restructured gambling harm treatment system, under which commissioning responsibilities have moved from the now-defunct industry-supported GambleAware to NHS England.
The charity has received £4.5m in funding from the Office of Health Improvement and Disparity (OHID) under the new system funded by the UK Gambling Levy introduced in April 2025. Previously, funding was voluntary and distributed to providers through GambleAware, which closed in March.
“It is a privilege to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of Gordon Moody,” Murray said. “Over the past six months, we have made significant progress in strengthening our services, developing new pathways into support, and positioning the organisation for long-term sustainability and impact.”
He added: “These appointments mark an important new chapter for Gordon Moody as the organisation continues its mission to help people recognise gambling harm earlier, access evidence-based support more quickly and sustain recovery through integrated digital, community and residential treatment pathways.”
The rollout of Gambling Levy funding has generated some controversy due to several long-standing treatment providers losing out. In Wales, Conservative MS Sam Rowlands has warned of “urgent gaps”, arguing that the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which received £1.3m in levy funding in April, was unable to meet the needs of all referred clients.
