Policy
Corporate Governance Framework
Our corporate governance framework sets out the necessary responsibilities and procedures that guarantee we operate properly.
Appendix 13 - Role description: Senior Independent Director
Role purpose
The key role of the Senior Independent Director (SID) is to act as a sounding board for and source of support to the Chair, as an intermediary for the Chair and CEO, and for the Chair and other Commissioners as and when necessary.
Key responsibilities
Other key responsibilities of the role of the SID are to:
- to provide a source of constructive challenge to the Chair
- to provide an independent check on the relationship between the Chair and CEO, acting as an intermediary between them if needed
- to maintain independent relationships with other Commissioners in order to receive feedback and act as a first reporting point for any concerns regarding the performance or conduct of the Chair
- to ensure that accurate records are kept of any Chair performance discussions
- to act as a reporting point for any concerns regarding whistleblowing or organisational culture that cannot be raised with Chair or CEO, including the concerns of key stakeholders
- with the Governance Team, co-ordinate Commission input to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for the Chair’s appraisal
- to chair Board meetings in the absence of the Chair
- to take the leading non-executive role in the recruitment of the Chair.
Key expectations
The key expectations of the role are:
- SID to meet individually with the Commission Chair, and CEO, at appropriate intervals
- SID to meet individually with other Commissioners and members of the Executive Team at appropriate intervals
- SID to lead at least 2 SID sessions with Commissioners per year and provide feedback to the Chair
- SID to provide input to DCMS relating to the Chair’s appraisal.
Person specification
Essential:
- tact and diplomacy
- intellectual curiosity and discipline
- a good listener with high emotional intelligence
- keen sense of judgement and independence of mind
- the ability to build and maintain relationships and manage conflicting points of view
- a willingness to challenge constructively and deliver difficult feedback
- high standards of personal probity and an excellent understanding of the requirements of public service.
Gambling Commission ways of working
Outcome-focused: We put consumers at the heart of everything we do. We take responsibility for an issue and moving it forward. We deliver results through working collaboratively.
Reaching for ways to improve: We encourage feedback and ideas. We are committed to continuous improvement and are open to trying different ways of working. We celebrate successes and take responsibility when things go wrong.
Respectful: We recognise every colleague’s contribution.
We give each other timely constructive feedback. We all encourage challenge.
Communicate well: We are clear and concise. We listen and check our understanding. We explain the reasons for decisions.
Making this a great place to work: We all help to make the Commission a great place to work. We value and support each other. We demonstrate a positive attitude.
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Last updated: 4 August 2025
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