In a significant leadership transition, Siân Griffiths is set to take over as the new chair of GambleAware on 18 July, succeeding Baroness Kate Lampard. Griffiths brings a wealth of experience in public health to her new role.
A distinguished career in public health
Griffiths has a storied career in public health, having previously served as the deputy chair of GambleAware. She also chaired the organization’s performance and delivery committee, further cementing her expertise in governance and oversight.
Her career includes prominent roles within Public Health England and Public Health Wales, where she made significant contributions to policy and health strategies.
Global experience and impact
In 2003, Griffiths chaired the Hong Kong government’s SARS Inquiry, a role that showcased her leadership during a global health crisis. Her work in Hong Kong led to the establishment of the Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Looking forward
With her extensive background and proven track record, Griffiths is expected to bring robust leadership and innovative strategies to GambleAware, furthering the organization’s mission to tackle issues related to gambling harm.
The transition of leadership marks a new chapter for GambleAware, as it continues to advance its efforts in public health awareness and support for those affected by problem gambling.
Griffiths is committed to tackling gambling harms as a public health issue
Griffiths expresses her unwavering commitment to addressing gambling harms as a pressing public health issue. She underscores the critical importance of maintaining GambleAware’s independence from the gambling industry, ensuring unbiased efforts to mitigate related harms. Griffiths eagerly anticipates collaborating with public health experts and the GambleAware board to transition towards a new statutory funding model that amplifies the organization’s impact.
Advocacy for statutory funding
As Griffiths steps into her new role, she aims to continue the significant work of her predecessor, Lampard. Lampard was instrumental in advocating for an industry statutory levy and played a crucial role in expanding the gambling harms system. Under Lampard’s leadership, the organization saw considerable growth, fortifying its mission to protect individuals and communities from the detrimental effects of gambling.
Collaborative efforts and future plans
Griffiths looks forward to forging strong alliances with public health experts, leveraging their insights to enhance GambleAware’s initiatives. By transitioning to a statutory funding model, the organization aspires to secure sustainable financial support, enabling more comprehensive and far-reaching interventions. Griffiths’s vision aligns with a broader strategy to advance public health and safeguard individuals from gambling-related risks.
Frank Lampard expresses confidence in Griffiths’ leadership amid Essex mental health deaths inquiry
Frank Lampard, entrusted with leading the Lampard Inquiry into mental health in-patient deaths in Essex, has openly expressed his confidence in the leadership provided by Griffiths. This inquiry aims to address and investigate the tragic occurrences surrounding these deaths, which have raised significant concerns within the community and among healthcare professionals.
During Lampard’s tenure, there was a noticeable increase in charitable donations to GambleAware from industry members. This surge in contributions was seen as a positive development towards addressing gambling addiction and promoting mental health.
However, the Good Law Project has lodged a complaint, alleging that GambleAware’s educational efforts are biased due to receiving funding from industry players. This complaint has sparked a contentious debate over the objectivity of the charity’s initiatives and its influence on public perception and policy.
Despite these allegations, GambleAware CEO Zoë Osmond has robustly defended the charity’s operations. Osmond has emphasized that GambleAware is committed to delivering unbiased information and has expressed her confidence in the forthcoming investigation by the Charity Commission. She believes that the Commission’s review will validate the impartiality and integrity of the charity’s educational programs.
Key data and statistics:
| Year | Charitable Donations (in £) | Number of Industry Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 5,000,000 | 15 |
| 2020 | 6,500,000 | 20 |
| 2021 | 7,200,000 | 25 |
| 2022 | 8,000,000 | 30 |
This situation is being closely monitored as the outcome of the Charity Commission’s investigation will have significant implications for the future operations and credibility of GambleAware. Stakeholders await the results with anticipation, hoping for clarity and reassurance regarding the charity’s educational efforts and funding sources.
