DCMS searching for two new gambling and lotteries policy leads

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is recruiting for two new policy leads for gambling and lotteries to work on a “range of gambling reforms”.

The department is looking to hire two people to join an existing team of around 25 people. The roles will be based in Manchester.

Listed salary for the two positions range between £52,000 and £61,000, putting the job spec in the upper bracket for department positions.  

The roles have been listed as a fixed-term contract which will run for two years, with the closing date for applications set for 16 February 2025.  

Primary duties include “working agilely on new policy issues relating to the gambling and lotteries sector” and “leading one or more areas of proactive gambling and lotteries policy”.

The successful applicants will have to work with external stakeholders including ministers, parliamentarians, the Gambling Commission, campaigners and industry representatives.  

There will also be a major leadership component, with chosen candidates expected to undertake line management responsibilities.  

Another essential requirement for listed by the DCMS includes “policy and parliamentary experience”, with an expectation to follow industry trends.  

Experience working on legislation is listed as a desirable skill, although the job description makes no reference to needing specific experience in the gambling industry.  

The listing reads: “This is a critical time for the team as they deliver on the new government’s priorities. We are looking for candidates who can work at pace across complex policy areas and are keen to help build capability where needed.  

“This is a fast-paced and high-profile area which attracts lots of attention from ministers and special advisers, as well as stakeholders across the board.  

“The post holder will need to be confident working at pace, using their judgement independently and working effectively across Whitehall and with senior stakeholders to develop and deliver policy.” 

The listing also refers to the team’s current responsibilities, which include “reducing gambling harm for vulnerable people and protecting children and young people”.  

Ensuring that regulatory frameworks are fit for purpose is also cited as a key responsibility for the gambling and lotteries team.  

The hunt for two new members for the team comes after the DCMS issued a call for a gambling reform strategy lead in October.

Once again, that job listing made no reference to requiring gambling-specific knowledge.

The additions to the team come as the Labour government looks to get to grips with the recommendations from the white paper into the Gambling Act 2005 review, which was published under the previous Tory government in April 2023.

Labour have confirmed plans to roll out online slot stake caps of £5, while the statutory levy is set to come into effect from April 2025.

The levy will aim to raise £100m a year by charging operators between 0.1% and 1.1% of their gross gambling yield (GGY) depending on the sector.  

Gambling policy is now overseen by Baroness Fiona Twycross, who was drafted in to manage the sector in a surprise shift away from previous shadow minister Stephanie Peacock.

The post DCMS searching for two new gambling and lotteries policy leads first appeared on EGR Intel.

 Department seeking candidates to ensure regulatory frameworks are “fit for purpose”, although job listing makes no mention of gambling industry knowledge or experience
The post DCMS searching for two new gambling and lotteries policy leads first appeared on EGR Intel.