GambleAware confirmed Boucher will replace Siân Griffiths in the role with effect from 1 April. Griffiths only became chair in July last year but will now move into retirement.
Boucher takes on the position having served on the GambleAware board of trustees since December 2023. He was also serving as deputy chair of the charity.
Alongside his work with GambleAware, Boucher serves in various other roles with several organisations outside the industry. He is London place director for Business in the Community and partnership director for the Social Mobility Business Partnership.
Boucher is also chair of Sir George Monoux sixth form college and vice chair and honorary secretary of charity Making the Leap.
“It is a critical time to be taking on this role as chair of GambleAware,” Boucher said. “I am looking forward to leading the charity through this period of change.
“I am committed to ensuring the future gambling harms system builds on the success and expertise within the charity, which has been a driving force and leader in this space for many years.”
Griffiths exits GambleAware as new levy begins
Incidentally, Griffiths stepping down from the role coincides with the introduction of the new statutory levy in Britain.
Announced in November, this supports the government’s plans to raise £100 million (€119.3 million/$128.7 million) for gambling-related harm prevention via a percentage of industry stakeholder profits.
Last week, gambling minister Baroness Twycross confirmed the levy would come into effect from 6 April.
“Gambling harms are a serious public health challenge, intertwined with inequalities and poverty,” Griffiths said in her departing comments. “They occur across all walks of life and can affect anyone.
“By working in partnership with others and listening to the voice of the lived experience community, I hope an evidence-led, population-health approach, supported by appropriate statutory funding, will prevent and reduce harm for all those affected.”
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/people/gambleaware-andy-boucher-chair-trustees/
