The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) announced that a senior leader from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is set to join its executive team. The one up to the task is Sarah Fox, who has been seconded from the DCMS to lead the UKGC’s Policy and Research and Statistics functions, as well as the regulation of the National Lottery.
Fox to Succeed Miller
Fox’s appointment occurs amid a period of change for the UKGC. In her new role, she will succeed Tim Miller, executive director of policy and research at the UKGC, who is preparing to part ways with the regulatory body.
According to the announcement, Fox is a perfect fit for the new position due to her experience leading the Gambling and Lotteries team at the DCMS for four years. During that time, she covered the publishing and subsequent implementation of the Gambling Act white paper, as well as the awarding of the 4th National Lottery License to Allwyn. Fox’s purview also included oversight for society lotteries and horse racing.
The UKGC added that Fox’s Civil Service career spans some 23 years and includes various operational, strategic and policy roles in the Home Office, Department of Health and Social Care, Cabinet Office, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and DCMS.
Last, but not least, Sarah is also the senior champion on disability in the DCMS and has been working hard to improve the disability confidence of the organization.
CEO Gardner Welcomed Fox Aboard
The UKGC was pleased to welcome Fox to its team. Sarah Gardner, acting CEO of the regulatory body, lauded Fox’s expertise and said that she is glad to have the appointee join the commission.
We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Sarah’s experience joining us. The Commission has an ambitious strategy so having someone who is already working across the gambling and lotteries sector will be invaluable.
Sarah Gardner, CEO, UKGC
Gardner added that Fox will be tasked with wrapping up the white paper implementation and gauging the impact of the changes. At the same time, the latter woman will be responsible for protecting lottery players and maximizing the returns to good causes.
Fox was likewise pleased with her appointment. She noted that she is already more or less familiar with the UKGC’s work and is well aware of the expertise, talent, and enthusiasm of its teams. Fox added that the commission’s regulatory achievements have been nothing short of impressive.
The opportunity to cross over to the Commission and help the team continue making gambling safer, fairer and crime free is one I am really excited to take.
Sarah Fox, executive director of Policy and Research appointee, UKGC
In other news, the UKGC just dismissed claims that its implementation of financial risk assessments has ignored feedback from the horse racing sector.