FAQs

What is the pension package?

The successful candidate will have access to the Civil Service Pension Scheme, one of the UK’s leading public sector pension arrangements, alongside a competitive benefits package.

Where will the successful candidate be based?

The Gambling Commission is in Birmingham. The successful candidate will be expected to attend the Birmingham office on average for two days each week, supporting visible leadership and effective engagement across the organisation.

What are the expectations around office attendance and travel?

The Chief Executive will work within a hybrid environment, balancing attendance at the Birmingham office with engagement across government, industry and other stakeholder groups. The role requires a visible presence across the organisation, regular travel to London  with national and international travel as required.

What are the key attributes you are looking for in the next Chief Executive?

We are seeking an exceptional leader with the credibility, judgement and strategic capability to lead a nationally significant regulator. The successful candidate will bring experience of leading a large and complex organisation through change, alongside a strong track record of delivering major transformation and improvement agendas, including those involving digital, data and technology. They will be politically aware, resilient under public scrutiny and able to build confidence with stakeholders nationally and internationally.

What are the essential criteria for the role?

Candidates must demonstrate a strong track record of senior leadership and organisational performance within a large and complex organisation. Essential experience includes leading significant transformation, including change involving digital, data and technology; managing complex financial, commercial and organisational risks; and building effective relationships across government, industry and wider stakeholder groups. Candidates will also need to show experience of strengthening organisational capability and culture, alongside the credibility and resilience to act as an ambassador for the Commission under public scrutiny.

Is previous Chief Executive or Accounting Officer experience essential?

Previous experience as a Chief Executive, Accounting Officer or equivalent senior leader is desirable, but not essential. Candidates will, however, need to demonstrate that they have operated at sufficient scale and or complexity, with the judgement and leadership capability required to fulfil the responsibilities of the role.

What will be the main priorities for the new Chief Executive?

The new Chief Executive will lead the Gambling Commission through an important period of change and delivery. Priorities will include driving organisational performance and transformation, overseeing reforms arising from the Gambling Act Review and developing the Illegal Markets programme. The Chief Executive will also oversee the effective regulation of the gambling sector in Great Britain and the National Lottery, while strengthening consumer protection and maintaining public confidence in the Commission’s work.

What does the Accounting Officer responsibility involve?

As Accounting Officer, the Chief Executive will ensure public resources are managed effectively and responsibly, with appropriate financial control and accountability. They will provide assurance to the Board, Sponsor Department and Parliament, while exercising sound judgement on investment, organisational priorities and the use of the Commission’s resources.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from candidates with a strong track record of senior leadership, organisational transformation and delivery within complex environments. Applications are encouraged from people of all backgrounds who share the Commission’s commitment to public service, consumer protection and effective regulation.

What does the selection process involve?

The assessment process is expected to include an initial application stage, a preliminary interview with GatenbySanderson, psychometric assessment, a media exercise, internal staff engagement, fireside chats and a final panel interview. Further details of the process, assessment stages and anticipated timescales are set out on the recruitment microsite.

What will I need to submit as part of my application?

Applications should be submitted through the recruitment microsite. Candidates will be asked to provide a CV and supporting information demonstrating their suitability for the role, declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest, and respond to three suitability questions. These questions will explore candidates’ financial leadership and commercial acumen, experience of leading significant transformation, and views on the future of gambling regulation.

Can I have an informal conversation before applying?

Yes. If you would like to discuss the role in confidence before submitting an application, please review the information on the microsite and send your CV or a short biography to gamblingcommissionceo@gatenbysanderson.com. A researcher will review your details and contact you regarding a confidential discussion.

Are reasonable adjustments available during the recruitment process?

Yes. The Gambling Commission is committed to removing potential barriers and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Candidates are encouraged to share any accessibility requirements, disabilities or health conditions that may require changes to the application or assessment arrangements. Further information is available on the microsite.

Where can I find any supporting information?

The selection timeline and further information about the Gambling Commission can all be accessed through the recruitment microsite.

I have a question that is not covered here. Who should I contact?

Please contact the GatenbySanderson search team at gamblingcommissionceo@gatenbysanderson.com. The team will be happy to assist with questions about the role, selection process or application requirements.