The Gambling Commission appoints new chair of the independent strategy board

Baroness Neuberger has extensive experience of public health and the effective provision of treatment for addiction. She was Chair of Camden and Islington Community Health Services NHS Trust from 1993 to 1997 and CEO of the King’s Fund from 1997 to 2004.

Julia Neuberger has undertaken extensive work as a rabbi and committed social reformer. She was created a life peer in 2004 and in June last year was appointed as the Prime Minister’s champion for volunteering. She also performs a large number of voluntary and philanthropic roles.

Gambling Commission Chairman Brian Pomeroy said: "Baroness Neuberger’s wealth of experience in the public health field and her expert understanding of medical research and addiction will be invaluable to the new independent Strategy Board."

Baroness Neuberger said: "I have a longstanding interest in research methodologies and outcomes across the sciences and social sciences, and have had a considerable interest in addiction in the past, from alcohol to illegal drugs, and from cigarettes to gambling. I look forward to this challenging role, and hope to be able to help to bring some coherence to national research, education and treatment programs related to gambling."

This appointment and the setting up of the Strategy Board follow the recommendations in a recently published Commission review of research, education and treatment. The Strategy Board will develop and determine a national program, highlighting priorities for research, education and treatment in relation to minimizing risks from problem gambling, covering England, Scotland and Wales. This will include advising on the amount of funding required on a three year rolling basis.