Bectu contributes to House of Lords discussion on importance of the BBC

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs recently addressed the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee in a session examining the role the BBC plays in supporting the UK’s creative economy , as part of the ongoing BBC Charter review.

Philippa represented Bectu alongside Lisa Opie, Chair of ScreenSkills, Jack Gamble, Director of Campaign for the Arts and Ed Shedd, Chair of Create Central.

The session formed part of the House of Lords’ wider examination of how the BBC can continue to support creativity, skills and economic growth across the UK in the years ahead.

BBC critical to driving creative skills development

During the session, Philippa highlighted the BBC’s significant contribution to skills development, workforce training and the wider creative economy. She noted that the BBC added £6.7 billion to the UK economy in 2024/25 and remains the largest investor in skills within the sector, supporting more than 1,200 apprentices in 2025.

Supporting UK freelancers and regional investment

Drawing on feedback from Bectu members, Philippa emphasised the importance of supporting freelancers and addressing growing workforce precarity across film and television. She warned that ongoing industry pressures risk driving skilled workers out of the sector, particularly those from working-class backgrounds and underrepresented groups.

She also stressed the importance of investment in training and career development throughout a worker’s career, not just at entry level, and highlighted the BBC’s leadership in initiatives such as Action for Freelancers, which aims to improve support for the freelance workforce.

Discussing regional production, Philippa welcomed progress made by the BBC but called for further action to ensure that investment in the nations and regions creates sustainable opportunities for local freelancers and crews.

On proposals to introduce a growth-focused purpose into the next BBC Charter, Philippa said Bectu would support such a move provided it complements, rather than replaces, the BBC’s existing public purposes, warning that any changes must avoid undermining the broadcaster’s public service mission.

Standing up for the BBC and creative industry workers

Bectu continues to highlight the importance of a strong and independent public service broadcaster for the health and success of the UK’s wider creative industries ecosystem, and as a vital part of the UK’s global soft power.

Earlier this year, we responded to the government consultation on the renewal of the BBC’s Royal Charter, which you can read here.