A Newark woman has been recognised by Nottingham Trent University with the Outstanding Alumni Award
A charity ceo has been recognised for her outstanding work and contributions to public health and the prevention of gaming and gambling harms.
Dr. Jane Ridbye, of Newark, was recognised by Nottingham Trent University's Outstanding Alumni Award, which celebrates and acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to their research fields and wider society.
She was presented with the honour by vice-chancellor, professor Edward Peck at a ceremony on December 12.
Jane graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from Nottingham Trent University in 2004.
Her subsequent PhD on ‘Barriers to Treatment Access for Young Problem Gamblers’ was the first of its kind and led to a role at GamCare in 2010, where she set the foundation for nationwide educational programmes around gambling harms by establishing BigDeal.
In 2013, Jane qualified as a chartered psychologist and worked at GambleAware for nine years in several senior leadership roles including prevention director.
By 2019, Jane had been appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health and appointed chief executive officer of Ygam in January 2022.
Dr Jane Rigbye, Ygam ceo, said: “It is truly unexpected and delightful to be honoured as a recipient of the NTU Outstanding Alumni Award.
“I graduated from both my undergraduate and PhD studies at NTU, but I never dreamt I might be invited back one day in recognition of my achievements.
“However, this recognition is not about my individual efforts; it is also recognition of the work undertaken by many dedicated colleagues over the last two decades to prevent harm due to gaming and gambling.
“It has been my ambition to mainstream the prevention and treatment of gambling harms, ensuring parity of esteem alongside other addictions, and together we are making significant progress.
“Being given this award in recognition of my own contribution to public health and the prevention of gambling harms is good evidence of this much needed shift being driven by this sector.”
