New joiners to our Licensing and Enforcement Teams
With a busy recruitment market at the moment and a huge amount of competition for talent, we wanted to share some stories of our newest joiners to explore what attracted them to the Gambling Commission as an employer and how they are finding their new roles.
Posted 2 November 2021 by People Services
As a small regulator with a large remit (we regulate both the Gambling Industry and the National Lottery) our work is both interesting and sometimes fairly specialised, but we are really open to people with transferrable skills and a genuine interest in what we do.
Working in our Licensing team means helping improve how we assess who can suitably provide gambling services so we can regulate the industry better. From individual casino workers right through to FTSE 100 operators, the team determine whether they are able to meet legislation designed to protect the public. That means we constantly look ahead and determine how best to protect the public not just from current issues but those that will threaten people tomorrow. This continuous transformation means that Licensing is innovative and finds new solutions to potential challenges whilst keeping gambling safe and fair for all.
Working as part of our Enforcement and Intelligence team means playing a crucial role in keeping us up to date on what’s happening across the industry and holding illicit gambling operators to account. The team is responsible for gathering and managing immense volumes of intelligence from sources ranging from the government to the industry itself and using it to inform our direction.
The team also helps protect the public directly by leading criminal investigations into illegal gambling, preventing money laundering, protecting sports against match fixing and taking appropriate regulatory action.
Today we are sharing the experiences of three new team members; Abbey Down, who joined us as a Regulatory Caseworker in Licensing, Surjit Sond who joined us as a Casework Investigator in Enforcement and Manjinder Dhaliwall who joined us as a Regulatory Manager in Licensing.
What attracted you the Commission in the first place?
Manjinder: The role itself and several people I has spoken to had very good things to say about Gambling Commission as an organisation.
Surjit: I was sat at home during lockdown and for the first time in about 5 years decided to watch some live TV. I was both shocked and astounded at the number of advertisements targeted at gambling, they were so bright, loud and colourful, they painted a picture of euphoria. I was both saddened and very cynical about how a small logo reading 18 and the briefest of comments about gambling responsibly would mitigate harm to those most likely at risk. At this point I looked up and familiarised myself with the role and scope of the work carried out by the Commission. I believe only through regulation can you elevate standards and ensure that an industry is safe for its consumers. I applied for my role because I wanted to contribute towards that mission
Abbey: I have previously worked in Retail Banking for the majority of my career. I was looking for a new challenge. I felt my skills set lent towards risk management and the opportunity to broaden my horizons, working against a different regulatory framework covering an industry which I was unfamiliar with, appealed to me as an exciting opportunity. The Commission also definitely appeared passionate about career development and since joining this has absolutely been the case.
Is flexible working important to you?
Manjinder: Very. I am a single parent of 2 children to work life balance matters a lot
Surjit: Yes, I am contracted to work 37 hours and trust that as a professional, my employee considers me responsible enough to complete these at my discretion.
Abbey: Flexible working has become more important to me as of late. When I first joined the Commission, I jumped at the opportunity to be able to return to the office. Being new to the role, I found it was easier to ask quick questions whilst in the office and this is still the case. The office environment is also really enjoyable to work within, colleagues are extremely friendly and helpful! However, working from home definitely has its advantages, it can be easier to work from home where this can give you time to focus on reading complex material or drafting case assessments for example. A good balance for me tends to be three days in the office and two at home. However, the Commission’s hybrid model of working is really flexible and management are very supportive of personal needs when it comes to flexible working
Did the benefits play a role in why you applied?
Manjinder: No. The benefits at my previous employer were better (eg. Private medical insurance).
Surjit: Honestly, no. I was not even aware of them until after I had accepted the role.
Abbey: The benefits were not the most contributing factor as to why I applied for the role. For me, the culture of a workplace, including work life balance and opportunities for development were of more importance to me. As I grow in my career I expect benefits will become more important.
Now you have been with us for a few months is that job what you expected?
Manjinder: Very much so. I am thoroughly enjoying my time at the Commission.
Surjit: I consider it too early to accurately answer this question. I would however confirm that the role remains within the realms of what initially attracted me to the Commission.
Abbey: The job is extremely challenging and it is a fantastic platform to learn and develop. Management and colleagues are supportive and knowledgeable.
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If you are interested in joining the Gambling Commission either in our Licensing or Enforcement team or any other area please email recruitment@gamblingcommission.gov.uk for an initial chat.