UK Research and Innovation starts search for head of Gambling Research Programme

The UK’s Gambling Research Programme is funded by the new levy on operators.

UK.- The body that’s replacing GambleAware’s role in commissioning gambling research in the UK is seeking someone to lead its programme. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is moving forward with plans to establish its Gambling Research Programme and has opened recruitment for a department head to lead the initiative.

The programme will be financed through the new British gambling levy, which came into force last April. Its leader will be responsible for shaping the future of research into gambling-related harms through evidence-based collaboration. Applications remain open until April 13, aligning with the government’s timeline for the department to begin operations this year.

According to the job description, the department head will be expected to position the programme as a trusted and credible body within both government and the wider research community by the end of the first year. The role is a two‑year fixed‑term post within the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), reporting to the AHRC’s associate director for the Gambling Research Programme.

Responsibility for new gambling levy funds

The new head will provide strategic leadership and determine how gambling levy funding should be allocated for research. The UKRI’s Gambling Research Programme receives 20 per cent of funds raised through the levy, while 30 per cent goes to prevention initiatives and 50 per cent to treatment and support services.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) directs the funds to each recipient, while the Gambling Commission monitors operators’ compliance. In its first nine months, the levy generated £120m. GambleAware is winding up its operations this month.