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Policy

Corporate Governance Framework

Our corporate governance framework sets out the necessary responsibilities and procedures that guarantee we operate properly.

Published
29 October 2021

Last updated
5 August 2025 - Changes

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  1. Contents
  2. Commissioners

Commissioners

3.16 In addition to their corporate responsibilities as a Board, Commissioners also have individual responsibilities as members of a public body:

3.16.1 to comply at all times with the Gambling Commission’s Code of Conduct for Commissioners which reflects the Cabinet Office’s ‘Code of Practice for Board Members of Public Bodies

3.16.2 to act in good faith and in the best interests of the Commission

3.16.3 not to misuse information gained in the course of their public service for personal gain or for political profit, nor seek to use the opportunity of public service to promote their private interests or those of connected persons or organisations

3.16.4 to comply with the Commission’s rules on the acceptance of gifts and hospitality and conflicts of interest as set out in the Code of Conduct for Commissioners and the Commission’s Managing Conflicts of Interest and Gifts and Hospitality Policy.

Personal liability of Commissioners

3.17 Although any legal proceedings initiated by a third party are likely to be brought against the Commission, in exceptional cases proceedings (civil, or in certain cases, criminal) may be brought against the Chair or individual Commissioners. For example, a Commissioner may be personally liable if they make a fraudulent or negligent statement which results in loss to a third party.

3.18 Commissioners who misuse information gained by virtue of their position may be liable for breach of confidence under common law or may commit a crime under insider dealing legislation.

3.19 The Government has indicated that individual Commissioners who have acted honestly and in good faith will not have to meet any personal civil liability which is incurred in the execution, or purported execution, of their Commission functions out of his or her own personal resources. The Commission will indemnify any Commissioner so affected.

Raising concerns

3.20 All Commissioners and Commission employees are expected to uphold the Nolan principles, The Seven Principles of Public Life - GOV.UK (opens in new tab) and display high standards of conduct and professionalism, as set out in detail in their respective codes of conduct.

3.21 On rare occasions people may fall short of these expectations, and it is important that Commissioners and employees are aware of the ways to raise concerns. In the first instance, it may be appropriate to either speak directly to the individual or discuss the situation with your line manager. If concerns need to be raised formally, the grievance, dignity at work or Speak Up (Whistleblowing) policies can be engaged.

3.22 Concerns about the behaviour or conduct of Commissioners can be raised with the Chair. Concerns about the Chair should be raised with the Senior Independent Director, who may escalate these to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), if required.

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