DCMS Gambling Policy Head Sarah Fox Joins Commission Executive Team

The Gambling Commission has appointed a senior government official to its executive team, it was announced on 29 July 2026. Sarah Fox will join the regulator on secondment from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), where she has been a prominent leader on gambling policy.

In her new role, Ms Fox will take charge of the Commission’s Policy and Research and Statistics functions. Her executive responsibilities will also extend to the regulation of the National Lottery, a key area of the Commission's remit.

Ms Fox brings extensive and highly relevant experience from her four-year tenure as the head of the Gambling and Lotteries team at DCMS. During this time, she was closely involved with the development of the government's gambling white paper and its ongoing implementation. Her government work also included managing the complex transition to the 4th National Lottery Licence and overseeing policy related to society lotteries and horse racing.

With over 23 years in the Civil Service, Ms Fox has a long career in public administration, including roles in the Home Office, Department of Health and Social Care, Cabinet Office, and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. She is also the senior champion on disability within DCMS. Her appointment follows other recent senior team adjustments at the regulator, including the departure of Tim Miller. The Gambling Commission is currently being led by Acting Chief Executive Sarah Gardner.