Philippa Childs will end union leadership in January 2027

Philippa Childs, Bectu’s first female head, is to step down from her role after eight years.

Childs will end her leadership of the media and entertainment union in January 2027, with its parent trade union, Prospect, to appoint her successor soon. She will remain in situ until next year to support them as they take up the role.

Since taking up the post in 2018, having joined Prospect in 2000, Childs has championed the rights of nearly 40,000 contract and freelance workers across the creative industries, including broadcasting and TV.

She pushed the union to take a leading role in particularly advocating for freelancers throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, following the slowdown in UK production brought about by industrial action in the USA in 2023, and during ongoing budgetary challenges for broadcasters in recent years.

She has also called for long-term and sustainable funding for the BBC, been a leading voice in calling for the industry and government to tackle the issue of bullying and harassment, and has led Bectu’s political influencing, serving on the DCMS industrial strategy taskforce. In this role, she was instrumental in persuading government to commit to appointing a freelance champion in government.

Under her leadership, Bectu has grown its membership by 10,000 and has also expanded into sectors including live events.

Former civil servant Childs said:“I am incredibly proud and honoured to have led Bectu throughout one of the most challenging periods for the creative industries in recent memory.

“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.”

Prospect general secretary Mike Clancy said:“I have worked with Philippa for many years and hugely admire her tireless commitment to the creative industries and the wider trade union movement.

“From driving grassroots campaigns in workplaces up and down the country, to advocating for members at the highest levels of government – her passion and determination to secure a better deal for the country’s creative workforce means she can leave Bectu proud of the huge difference she has made.

“Throughout her career Philippa has made a huge contribution to the trade union movement, and I know she will continue to make an impact whatever she turns to next.

“On behalf of our members we wish her all the best for the future.”