GambleAware names Peter Holt as new financial chief
Problem gambling funding body GambleAware has appointed Peter Holt as its new chief financial officer.
Holt will focus on developing a long-term business plan to support the ongoing commissioning of the National Gambling Treatment Service, which includes the National Gambling Helpline.
He joins GambleAware having most recently served as London and South East finance director at Health Education England (HEE), where he was responsible for a £1.2bn (€1,36bn$1.49bn) budget. Holt spent almost 10 years in his board level position at HEE.
Prior to this, Holt was director of the Supply Chain Transformation Programme at the Department of Health, responsible for delivering procurement benefits to the NHS.
“Having worked in the health sector for many years, I’m looking forward working with a talented and committed team to support GambleAware in finalising a multi-year business plan, with a clear financial strategy that is focused on commissioning high quality, effective prevention and treatment service,” Holt said.
“This will ensure that gambling is better understood as a health and wellbeing issue, addressed through the lens of a public health model.”
GambleAware chief executive Marc Etches added: “We are delighted to have Peter join GambleAware. His extensive health-related experience will further enhance the outstanding expertise we have across our growing organisation as we focus on a public health model to commission national prevention and treatment services to keep people safe from gambling harms.”
The appointment comes after GamCare, the UK-facing gambling support charity funded by GambleAware, last week announced its National Gambling Helpline is to extend its hours and operate 24 hours a day.
The helpline features a live chat and Freephone channel, with trained advisors providing callers with advice on gambling-related problems and connect them with local treatment services.
GambleAware also recently partnered the University of Bristol on a new research project examining how UK banks and other financial services organisations can help people suffering with or are at risk of gambling-related harm.