Noel McClean to lead Bectu as Philippa Childs retires

Noel McClean will take charge of Bectu early next year, succeeding Philippa Childs as head of the UK union for film, television and backstage workers.

The appointment was confirmed by Bectu on 15 October. McClean will take up the post in the new year, when Childs retires in January 2027, according to the union's announcement. Bectu

It is a return, not a fresh start. McClean previously spent 13 years at Bectu, rising to National Secretary before moving to Prospect, Bectu's parent union, as a Deputy General Secretary. Deadline

He replaces a long-serving leader. Childs was the first woman to head Bectu, a milestone noted when her departure was first reported in July. Screen Daily

So what is Bectu? It is a trade union, meaning it negotiates pay and working conditions on behalf of its members. The union says it represents nearly 40,000 workers across the creative industries. Bectu

That covers a lot of the people audiences never see. Camera crews, sound teams, editors, art departments, theatre staff and freelancers who move from production to production.

The union also has a heavy presence at the BBC, where it describes itself as the largest recognised union. Bectu

For viewers, this is about who speaks for those crews. Union leaders sit across the table from broadcasters, studios and theatre employers in talks on pay, hours and contracts. A change at the top changes that voice.

No further details on the handover have been published. Childs remains in post until January.