SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
GambleAware’s John McCracken has announced that he will be leaving the charity after serving as Director of Commissioning (Treatment Services) for three years.
McCracken led the early development of the National Gambling Treatment Service and worked closely with the NHS on problem gambling related issues throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
Furthermore, McCracken was heavily involved in the implementation of the charity’s data reporting system used to inform the development of best practice and outstanding care for those experiencing gambling harm throughout Great Britain.
He originally took the post in April 2018, having previously worked as Head of Drugs Policy for the Department of Health, as well as holding the position of Head of Child and Adolescent Mental Health earlier on in his departmental career.
McCracken will be replaced by Dr Jane Rigbye, who will assume responsibility for commissioning treatment services on an interim basis, overseen by the charity’s Chief Executive Marc W Etches.
Dr Rigbye held the position of Director of Commissioning prior to McCracken’s arrival at GambleAware in 2018, when she subsequently became Director of Education.
Following Etches’ planned departure in March of this year, Dr Rigbye will be overseen by incoming CEO Zoë Osmond, who currently serves in the position of Communications and Engagement Director, and played a key role in expanding GambleAware’s national network and leading its multi-million pound campaigns.
Although no formal statements have been released by the McCracken or any of the other board members of the charity, in its official release GambleAware said: “Trustees and staff wish John well in his future endeavours.”
GambleAware recently held its eighth annual conference, featuring guest speakers including the charity’s Chair Kate Lampard and Labour MP for Nottingham North and Shadow Minister for Public Health Alex Norris.
