Monica Shafaq has been named as the new Director of Strategy and Partnerships at BetBlocker, a UK-based charity that provides free gambling blocking software.
Shafaq is currently the CEO of Gordon Moody, another UK-based gambling harm charity.
She also has extensive experience in the mental health sector, where she worked with The Kaleidoscope Plus Group for almost 14 years.
Duncan Garvie, BetBlocker Founder, said: “I'm really humbled to share today that Monica Shafaq has agreed to take the position of Director of Strategy and Partnerships at BetBlocker.
“I've had the privilege of getting to know Monica over the last few years, and have found her to be a principled and compassionate person of rare calibre. I'm proud to call her a friend.
“Over the last six months, Monica has been supporting BetBlocker, working with us to improve our funding applications, build out our strategic positioning, and grow our relationships with the right stakeholders in the UK. In all of these areas we have been enriched by Monica's contributions.”
The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) recently announced that it would deliver funding to BetBlocker for the next two years.
To secure a steady future for the company, BetBlocker will focus on developing relationships with key stakeholders across the industry.
Shafaq will spearhead this initiative from her new role.
Garvie continued: “I'd hoped to make this announcement a lot earlier than today, but life rarely goes entirely to plan. However, even with the extra time, I still find myself a little disbelieving that someone of Monica's standing and talent would consider taking a role on our team. ‘Can't believe our luck’, would seem an appropriate description.
“Yet I could say that about each of the members of our team. I have consistently been blessed to work with amazing people. And without that, BetBlocker would not be where it is today.
“So I hope my network will join me in wishing Monica a warm welcome to the team!”
Shafaq is also a Non-Executive Director for several football businesses, including the Manchester United Foundation, the Birmingham County Football Association and is an Equality & Diversity Standard Panel Member for the Premier League
