Responsible Gambling Trust appoints non-betting industry chair of trustee board
A leading gambling sector charity has appointed a new independent chair of its board of trustees who has not come from the betting industry for the first time.
With the new appointment, the organisation also has a majority of trustees outside of the gambling sector.
The Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT) has appointed Kate Lampard CBE with immediate effect, following a four-month recruitment process by a selection panel comprised of a representative nominated by the Gambling Commission, an independent recruitment adviser and the RGT's senior independent trustee, Professor Jo Wolff.
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"I am very pleased to accept this appointment to help prevent and protect vulnerable people from gambling-related harm," Kate Lampard, CBE, said.
"The Responsible Gambling Trust plays a vitally important role in enhancing our understanding of harm arising from gambling and the best ways to tackle it. I look forward to working with our research, treatment and gambling industry stakeholders to address the evolving challenge of minimising gambling related harm."
The RGT funds education, prevention and treatment services and commissions research to broaden understanding of gambling-related harm.
Lampard, a former barrister, was formerly the non-executive vice chair of the South of England Strategic Health Authority.
She has headed independent investigations into allegations of sexual abuse by Jimmy Savile in NHS hospitals and into allegations of abuse at Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre.
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Neil Goulden, the former chair of the RGT, said: "I am delighted to be succeeded by an extremely impressive, high calibre individual with a proven track record in dealing with contentious matters impartially and authoritatively.
"I am confident the industry will wish to support her and the RGT, continuing to contribute what is now over £7 million a year for research, education and treatment to reduce gambling-related harm.