Director of Governance & Assurance

Job summary

The Gambling Commission is internationally recognised for its expertise, independence and innovation, and it is our purpose that truly brings our work to life. We regulate a dynamic, multi‑billion‑pound industry shaped by sport, technology and rapidly evolving consumer behaviour. The decisions we make directly influence how millions of people experience gambling across the country, and our regulatory powers play a crucial role in ensuring that this significant sector operates safely, fairly and with integrity. As we enter a period of organisational change and renewed strategic focus, we are seeking a Director of Governance & Assurance who can bring clarity, confidence and connection to a defining year for the Commission.

Why join us?

The Commission is a place where colleagues feel genuinely connected to the work they do. Our strong 4.2 Glassdoor rating reflects the pride shared across our c.400 people and a culture built on openness, curiosity and collaboration. Colleagues are supported, trusted and encouraged to thrive and our flexible approach to working is shaped with their wellbeing firmly in mind.

We are also an organisation with a clear sense of direction. Decisions here carry weight, and your leadership would help shape discussions that influence how we operate and how we respond to a fast‑changing regulatory environment. You’ll be joining a community of talented, committed colleagues who care about doing the right thing and who value thoughtful, constructive partnership.

If this role feels like the right next step for you, we would be delighted to receive your application. It’s an opportunity to bring your leadership into an organisation that listens, evolves and values the contribution of its people. We hope you’ll consider joining us at such an important moment in our journey.

Further further information download the Candidate Briefing Pack and the Data Protection Responsibilities and Policy Responsibilities

Job description

As Director of Governance & Assurance, you will be at the centre of how the Commission functions and how we uphold our responsibilities to the public. You will lead our governance, risk, assurance, information management and contact centre teams, working closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Team and Board to support strong decision‑making and ensure good governance is lived across the organisation.

Your remit will be broad and influential. The Board and its Committees will rely on you to provide the insight and assurance needed for effective decision‑making. A mature, proactive risk culture will continue to develop under your leadership, strengthening how emerging issues are identified, understood and addressed. You will also oversee the systems and frameworks that ensure information is managed with the rigour, responsibility and transparency expected of a trusted regulator.

You’ll also provide leadership on conduct and ethical standards, overseeing whistleblowing, FOI, data protection and organisational integrity. This role offers a central hand in key organisational shifts - from preparing for a new Chair and Board members, to guiding colleagues through evolving expectations and new ways of working.

Person specification

We’re looking for a leader who combines expertise with humanity - someone who understands the technical demands of governance but also the importance of relationships, influence and thoughtful leadership.

You’ll bring senior governance experience from the public or third sector, a sophisticated understanding of risk and assurance, and the confidence to operate with pace and clarity in a complex environment. You’ll be skilled in advising senior leaders with nuance and diplomacy and offer sound judgement in moments of complexity.

Experience in information and records management is essential, and familiarity with internal audit, Board recruitment or induction, or previous Data Protection Officer responsibilities would be an advantage. Most importantly, you will bring gravitas, empathy and the ability to build trust quickly — helping teams to thrive and supporting colleagues through sustained organisational change.

For a confidential conversation please contact:

· Kelly Ridley — 07709 512415 , kelly.ridley@penna.com

· James Miller — 07701 233159 , james.miller@penna.com

· Rachael Morris — 07840 711217 , rachael.morris@penna.com

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £97,000, Gambling Commission contributes £28,100 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Recruitment timeline:

· Closing date: 22nd February 2026

· Psychometric Assessments: W/C 2nd & 9th March 2026

· Final interviews: 16th March 2026

Application Process

1. Upload your CV under “Please select one of the options below.”
2. Complete the short mandatory fields on the next page.
3. Use ‘Add Attachments’ to upload your Supporting Statement and any other documents.
4. Please ensure that the file name of your CV and supporting statement includes your full name.
5. Ensure both CV and Supporting Statement are uploaded before submitting your application.
6. If you have a long-term health condition or disability and would like your application to be considered in accordance with a Disability Confident Scheme, please email: execapplications@penna.com, to inform the Penna team.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Penna Recruitment Team - Info above
• Email : kelly.ridley@penna.com

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@gamblingcommission.gov.uk