Bectu head Philippa Childs is standing down after eight years of championing the rights of almost 40,000 contract and freelance workers.
Childs has helped the union to grow its membership by 10,000 during her tenure and overseen its move into live events.
Childs fought for freelancers through the Covid-19 pandemic and associated production slowdown and sat on the DCMS industrial strategy workforce, where she made the case for a government-appointed freelance champion.
Her campaigning has also centred on stamping out bullying and harassment and fighting for long-term and sustainable funding for the BBC.
“I am incredibly proud and honoured to have led Bectu throughout one of the most challenging periods for the creative industries in recent memory,” Childs said.
“Bectu members are at the heart of everything we do, and it has been a real privilege to work with and for so many talented, passionate workers who really are the beating heart of our world-renowned creative industries.
“I want to thank my colleagues, Bectu reps, industry partners and the countless others I’ve worked with in this role for their collaboration and shared commitment to making work better in this unique and cherished sector.
“Of course, there is still lots more work to do to ensure everyone working in the creative industries can have a happy, healthy and sustainable career, no matter their background. I am sure my successor will continue this critical work.”
Childs will stay on until January next year and will support her successor’s transition into the role.
