Epic Risk Management has appointed Dr Donna Nicholas to the newly created role of research manager, in a move which the group says reflects the continued progression made within this field.
Joining the gambling harm minimisation consultancy effective immediately, Nicholas is praised as bringing “an incredible amount of experience to the role” having worked in social impact evaluation positions across both the public and private sector.
Pete Wallis, director of operations at Epic Risk Management, said of the appointment: “Epic has been conducting innovative and effective work across a wide range of sectors for several years. We are now at the stage in our growth where we feel we have the experience to contribute to the wider gambling-related harm research agenda more strategically.
“Everyone at Epic is passionate about making sure fewer people’s lives are damaged by the negative effects of gambling. Together, learning from lived experience, academic research, and rigorous evaluation of our educational programmes, we can ensure the organisation is maximising its impact at the individual, community, and societal levels.”
Adding: “Dr Nicholas’ addition to our team is a significant one for us in that regard and we are delighted to be able to call upon someone with her expertise and experience in the field of research.”
The role will see the provision of research and evaluation expertise to Epic’s operational staff, as well as the development of effective research and evaluation strategies to support the company’s wider strategic goals and objectives.
On the new role, Dr Nicholas said: “This is an exciting opportunity to help the organisation more effectively demonstrate the impact it continues to have in minimising gambling-related harms. Epic has a strong ethos and set of values working in the harm-minimisation environment and I’m delighted to join such a passionate and talented team.”
Research continues to support the development of Epic’s educational programmes and industry training, both in the UK and internationally.
