Closing this chapter with gratitude

As I step away from my role as Chief Executive of Ygam, I’ve been reflecting on both the incredible journey we’ve taken as a team and my personal career path after more than 20 years working in the field of gambling harms. 

When I joined Ygam in January 2022, I had a clear vision: to help establish the organisation as a leader in our sector, an organisation grounded in evidence-led practice, professionalism, and meaningful impact. Looking back now, I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together. 

The development, launch, and delivery of our strategy, Safeguarding Our Digital Generation, gave Ygam a clear identity and sense of direction. It enabled us to navigate challenges with focus and intent. From forming strategic partnerships to influencing policy and strengthening our approach to evaluation and research, we’ve earned national recognition. Ygam is now an established and influential voice, making a tangible difference in the lives of children, young people, and families across the UK. 

Our engagement with policymakers and Parliament has helped keep young people, and the issue of gaming and gambling harms, firmly on the political agenda. We’ve built credibility in the academic and research community, contributing to the growing evidence base that shapes national conversations. And through partnerships with organisations like The Scouts, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Mumsnet, The Children’s Society, NSPCC, and the Premier League, we’ve expanded our reach, embedding prevention and education initiatives in schools, families, and communities. 

Internally, we’ve transformed the way we work. Ygam has matured as an organisation, refining our systems and embedding a culture of professionalism and continuous improvement. The recognition we’ve received through independent evaluations and national awards is a testament to the dedication, talent, and ambition of the team. Celebrating Ygam’s 10th anniversary in 2024 was a particularly special moment; an opportunity to honour our achievements while laying the foundation for the future. 

I must also pay tribute to our remarkable co-founder, Anne Evans, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Her legacy continues to inspire me every day. Anne redefined how we educate children and young people about gambling harms, and I will always be grateful for her vision and guidance. 

As an organisation founded on lived experience, we’ve ensured it remains central to our work, but real change also requires research, expertise, and evidence. At Ygam, we’ve strived to balance these perspectives, creating a holistic approach where personal stories, data, and professional insight work together. The sector is strongest when these elements align, and I’m confident Ygam will continue to champion this approach.  

Looking to the future, the introduction of a statutory levy marks a vital step toward securing sustainable funding for prevention and education. It should also bring an end to the often unhelpful and misinformed debate around the independence of organisations funded under the previous system. There has never been credible evidence to support this narrative, and too often these divisive claims have distracted from progress and undermined the work of many dedicated and passionate individuals, many of whom bring valuable lived experience to the sector. We’ve always achieved the greatest impact when working together, so I hope we can now move beyond the politics and focus on what truly matters. 

It is now crucial that the government and OHID move quickly to provide clarity on how this funding will be allocated and implemented. Charities have been indispensable in advancing progress in this sector. The levy must continue to recognise, support, and invest in these experienced and talented organisations that have helped lay the foundations for the system we now move toward. At Ygam, we’ve taken steps to prepare for this stage, and I know the team is well-positioned to prosper under the new commissioning model. 

So, from starting my PhD in 2006, exploring barriers to treatment seeking for young people experiencing gambling harms, to roles at GamCare, GambleAware, and finally Ygam, I’ve seen this field evolve enormously. In many ways, we are stronger and more capable than ever. We must never lose sight of our purpose, and the people we are here to serve and support. 

For me, now is the time for a new challenge in a new field. I’m incredibly excited to begin the next chapter, but before I do, I want to say thank you. 

To my colleagues and friends at Ygam and across the wider sector, thank you for your commitment and the trust you’ve placed in me. It’s been a privilege to learn and grow alongside you over the past two decades. 

As I move on, I urge you all to keep striving for excellence, keep collaborating, and never stop believing in the difference you make.