GambleAware has appointed Andy Boucher as the Chair of Trustees of the UK’s leading independent charity focused on preventing and researching gambling harms.
Boucher, who joined GambleAware as a trustee in 2023, has played a key role in expanding the charity’s network across local communities, and with key stakeholders in government and business.
He takes over from Professor Sian Griffiths (CBE), who will step down on April 1, 2025, following her retirement. His appointment coincides with the introduction of a new Statutory Levy on Gambling Harms Research, Education, and Treatment (RET) in the UK.
As Chair of Trustees, Boucher brings extensive experience in policy advocacy for reducing social inequalities. He has held leadership roles, including Chair of Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College, London Place Director for Business in the Community, Partnership Director for the Social Mobility Business Partnership, and Vice Chair and Honorary Secretary of the charity Making the Leap.
Boucher will oversee GambleAware’s governance as the government rolls out a new structure for problem gambling services, led by the NHS, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
GambleAware has adapted to structural changes, shifting from its previous role as the main commissioning body for problem gambling research, education, and treatment programmes.
Boucher expressed his gratitude to Sian Griffiths for her contributions over the past eight years. He emphasized the importance of maintaining services and ensuring the charity continues to provide valuable support.
“My priority is to ensure services and programmes remain strong during this transition. I will build on GambleAware’s work and help unify the voices of organisations working to prevent gambling harms,” Boucher stated.
GambleAware continues to support third-sector organisations in research, treatment, and advocacy, ensuring that people with lived experience of gambling harms are heard.
In its update, the charity thanked Professor Griffiths for her leadership, which helped shape an evidence-based public health approach to tackling gambling harms.
“As I retire, I want to thank everyone in the charity and the wider sector for their dedication. I have worked closely with Andy and fully support him as he leads GambleAware through this transition,” Griffiths said.