Philippa Childs, the first female head of UK imaginative industries union Bectu, is standing down from the role in January 2027. Childs took up
Philippa Childs, the first female head of UK imaginative industries union Bectu, is standing down from the role in January 2027.
Childs took up the post in 2018, having previously been national secretary at Bectu’s parent trade union Prospect.
During her time at Bectu, she has advocated for non-performance workers in the imaginative industries through the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit, the Hollywood strikes of 2023 and stiff budgetary challenges for broadcasters.
Other key areas of focus for Childs have been fighting bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment, championing the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) and spotlighting inequality of access to careers in the imaginative industries.
Bectu has grown its membership by 10,000 and has also expanded into sectors like live events and fashion creatives under her leadership.
Prospect will soon appoint her successor.
“I am incredibly proud and honoured to have led Bectu throughout one of the most challenging periods for the creative industries in recent memory,” said Childs.
“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.”
“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,” added Prospect general secretary Mike Clancy.
“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.”
