Noel McClean appointed Head of Bectu sector – will take up post in new year

The current Head of Bectu Philippa Childs will retire in January 2027. 

She will be replaced by Deputy General Secretary Noel McClean, who was formerly Bectu National Secretary looking after theatres, live events and broadcasters, including the BBC.

Philippa Childs has championed Bectu members throughout her eight years in the role, ensuring they have an effective voice at the table with employers, engagers, industry bodies and government.

Philippa has been a leading voice in tackling sexual harassment and bullying in the creative industries, playing 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).

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

However, under her leadership, Bectu has grown in membership by 10,000 and expanded to represent workers in live events and fashion.

In a message to members incoming Head of Bectu Noel McClean said:

I am delighted to be taking up my new role and to represent you as Head of the Bectu sector of Prospect in the new year.

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.

Having seen first-hand the impact of her leadership, I know the value of Bectu being part of Prospect. I am committed to building on that success by growing our union and championing the workers who make the UK’s creative industries world-renowned.

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.

I will work tirelessly to make the creative industries a better place to work, and I look forward to working with you to achieve that together.