EPIC Risk Management appoints Dr Donna Nicholas to oversee research

EPIC Risk Management has appointed Dr Donna Nicholas to take on its newly created role of Research and Evaluation manager, supporting the group’s wider strategic goals and objectives.

Nicholas’ responsibilities at the independent gambling harm consultancy organisation will revolve around providing research and evaluation expertise to operational staff, and assisting with the development of effective research and evaluation strategies.

The firm intends to leverage its enhanced research and evaluation capabilities to continue to support the development of educational programmes and industry training initiatives, both in the UK and internationally.

Pete Wallis, Director of Operations at EPIC, disclosed that the appointment of Nicholas reflects the progression EPIC continues to make in the field of research and evaluation.

Wallis remarked: “EPIC has been conducting innovative and effective work across a wide range of sectors for several years. We are now at the stage in our growth where we feel we have the experience to contribute to the wider gambling related harm research agenda more strategically.”

Prior to joining EPIC, Nicholas acquired significant experience of research management through a variety of roles in both the public and private sectors. Her appointment comes as EPIC continues to enhance its visibility across both the sports and betting landscape having recently partnered with the Counter-Strike Professional Players’ Association (CSPPA).

“Everyone at EPIC is passionate about making sure fewer people’s lives are damaged by the negative effects of gambling,” Wallis added.

“Together, learning from lived experience, academic research, and rigorous evaluation of our educational programmes, we can ensure the organisation is maximising its impact at the individual, community, and societal levels.

“Dr Nicholas’ addition to our team is a significant one for us in that regard and we are delighted to be able to call upon someone with her expertise and experience in the field of research.”