Noel McClean appointed Head, Bectu

McClean, who is currently Deputy General Secretary, will take up the post in the new year. The current Head of Bectu, Philippa Childs, will retire in January 2027.

Childs has spent eight years in the role, focusing on issues such as tackling sexual harassment and bullying in the creative industries.

She played an integral role in the establishment of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) and in the recent creation of the role of the Freelance Champion within the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS).

Her time leading Bectu has spanned a difficult period for the creative industries, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the film and TV slowdown, and renewed pressure on the BBC and other public sector broadcasters.

Under her leadership, Bectu has expanded to represent workers in live events and fashion.

McClean said: “It is a great honour to follow in the footsteps of Bectu’s first female leader, Philippa Childs, whose tireless leadership has strengthened our union, grown our membership, and increased our influence across the creative industries.

“My priority will be to ensure our members’ voices continue to be heard at the highest levels of government and industry, while strengthening our collective influence and delivering for members.”

The UK television industry has backed new guidelines to minimise out-of-hours contact to help improve work-life balance in the sector. The guidance has been endorsed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, UKTV, BBC Studios, ITV Studios, Fremantle, Banijay UK, Bectu, and CIISA. Discover more here.