GambleAware has elected Andy Boucher to serve as Chair of Trustees of the UK’s biggest independent charity preventing and researching gambling harms.
Boucher has served as a trustee of GambleAware since 2023, advising the charity on how to expand its network of stakeholders across local communities, businesses, and government ranks.
The appointment comes following incumbent Professor Sian Griffiths (CBE) announcing her retirement and stepping down from her role as Chair on 1 April 2025 when a new Statutory Levy on Gambling Harms Research Education and Treatment is applied to the UK.
Taking on the role of Chair of Trustees, Boucher is recognised as one of Britain’s leading experts in advocating policy changes to tackle social inequalities in the UK, where gambling harms are viewed as a problematic social issue.
GambleAware highlighted the broad experience of Boucher, who has served in diverse roles such as Chair of Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College, London Place Director for Business in the Community, Partnership Director for the Social Mobility Business Partnership, and Vice Chair and Honorary Secretary of the charity Making the Leap.
Boucher will oversee the governance of GambleAware as the government implements a new design and funding structure for problem gambling, led by the NHS and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
GambleAware has accepted changes in the structure, which has replace it as the chief commissioning organisation for problem gambling research, education, and treatment (RET) programmes across UK communities.
Andy Boucher: GambleAware
Mr Boucher said: “First of all I want to express huge gratitude to Siân for the immense contribution she has made over the last eight years. It is a critical time to be taking on this role as Chair of GambleAware.
My priority will be to ensure that there is no degradation of services or programmes during the transition and that the invaluable assets and unparalleled expertise of our staff continue to benefit the system and those we are all here to support. GambleAware has a key role during this transition period and I will continue build on this and help unify the voice of organisations involved in gambling harm prevention within the new world.”
The Charity maintains a leading role in assisting third sector organisations in undertaking research projects and treatment support programmes, plus representing the voices of those with lived-experience of gambling harms.
In its update. GambleAware thanked Professor Griffiths for her thoughtful leadership, which prioritised an evidence-based public health approach to addressing gambling harm, which has ensured the delivery of effective, population-based prevention activities to raise awareness of the risks of gambling.
Professor Griffiths stated, “As I retire, I wish to thank all those in the charity and the wider sector for all that they do. I have worked closely with Andy in his role as Deputy Chair and offer him my full support and confidence as he leads the charity through the forthcoming period of transition. I wish to thank all GambleAware staff for their continued commitment and wish them every success in the future.”
