Responsible Gambling is in the DNA of MERKUR UK and to reinforce its commitment to provide all of its customers with a safe and enjoyable low stake gambling entertainment experience the company has added six new roles to its compliance team
The team is led by Safer Gambling Compliance Manager Stacey Irvine and includes Safer Gambling Compliance Support Officer Dan Hargreaves, Safer Gambling Support Analyst William Bridgman, and four Regional Compliance Support Officers: Richard Smith, Linda Catmull, and Rebecca Kelly, with one position currently in the recruitment phase.
Stacey brings over 25-years of industry experience to her role and Dan is a new external appointment with a background in both teaching and the mental health sector.
Will Bridgman also joins the team, moving across from MERKUR UK’s HR department.
Richard Smith and Linda Catmull, who both joined the team in March, bring a wealth of experience across operations and compliance. Richard has worked in the industry for over 21 years, while Linda is proudly marking her 20th year in the sector. Rebecca Kelly has recently started as another external appointment with regulatory financial compliance experience.
Head of Compliance Amanda Kiernan who has overall responsibility for the new team said: “These are key positions with defined roles and will help embed our safer gambling culture.
“Stacey is responsible for identifying and assessing risks associated with gambling-related harm as well as developing and implementing strategies and training programmes to promote responsible gambling practices and initiatives.”
Describing Dan Hargraves as an Ambassador for the compliance department engaging with consumer facing team members she explained: “The Safer Gambling Support Officer role involves monitoring customer behaviour to identify signs of potential gambling-related harm, flagging potential risk and educating venue teams on safer gambling practices.
“It also involves conducting face to face workshops and refresher training as well as helping to implement and police the company’s responsible gambling policies and guidelines.
“Will Bridgman is delivering daily feedback to our venue teams, assisting in the identification of potential risks, and providing practical solutions. The insights will help the Regional Compliance Officers prioritise their efforts and determine which areas or venues require focused attention.”
She added: “The Regional Compliance Support Officers are responsible for ensuring venue compliance, providing real-time coaching and feedback, identifying areas that require increased focus, and sharing best practices. Their work is key to embedding and reinforcing understanding of Safer Gambling policies, procedures, and initiatives across the business.”