NCF strives for diversity and inclusion enhancement with DICE unveiling

The National Casino Forum has launched its ‘Diversity and Inclusion for Career Enhancement’ initiative, designed to enhance the promotion of such issues within the sector.

Through its latest manoeuvre the NCF, a non-profit trade association representing the UK’s land based operations, is striving to create greater awareness within the industry, in addition to helping operators combat unconscious bias in recruitment, retention and promotion.

DICE, compromising a seven member board, is to look at a variety of aspects of data from the UK casino sector, in order to asses the current employment landscape and issues such as whether operators are recruiting inclusively.

Further developments will see the development and implementation of diversity and inclusion programs, an enhancement of engagement with the sector and identifying preventative barriers, with the board also set to map progress made.

Tracey Stevenson, general manager of compliance and integrity at Crown London Aspinalls, is set to occupy the role of chairperson of DICE, and said of the unveiling: “The UK’s casinos are great places to work and offer fantastic career opportunities. We want them to become known as equal opportunities employers, where everyone has the chance to progress their career, regardless of gender or ethnicity.

“We want casinos to reflect the communities in which they operate, not just on the gaming floor but at boardroom level too.

“DICE can help advise operators on how to hire inclusively and to understand what training and awareness is needed for staff at all levels. We will promote a positive vision of the casino sector, which will enhance how we recruit, retain and inspire our employees”.

Joining Stevenson on the board are Mike Rothwell, managing director of Caesars Entertainment EMEA, Marieanne Carmody-Weir, head of regulatory compliance and audit at Aspers UK, David Livermore, compliance and security director at Les Ambassadeurs, Alison Sullivan, general manager at Park Tower – Grosvenor, David Smith, gaming director at The Hippodrome Casino and Tracy Damestani, CEO of the NCF.