Company Description
The Guild of British Camera Technicians (GBCT) is a professional association representing the technical and creative excellence of freelance, often self-employed camera technicians working across film and television drama and documentaries at all grades. The medium covers film and digital production. Our mission is to support members through training, advocacy, welfare, and professional recognition, ensuring that British camera professionals remain at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry worldwide. Membership of the organisation is a quality mark of standards reached and attained. With a focus on craftsmanship, the organisation supports and connects exceptional talent worldwide.
Role Description
Financial status: This is an unpaid role with reimbursement of reasonable expenses as laid out in the Expenses policy (to be included at interview)
Term: Fixed term / renewable (voluntary or modest honorarium, subject to agreement)
Location: Hybrid (London-based with national remit)
Reports to: GBCT Board
Works closely with: Chief Operating Officer (COO), GBCT Board, Committees and Collaborators
Objectives:
The GBCT is seeking a forward-thinking, energetic and proactive Chair to provide strategic leadership through change and modernisation of the Guild. The Chair will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and the Board to strengthen the organisation’s profile, financial sustainability, and support for its members.
The successful candidate will play a central role in guiding the Guild’s strategic development, championing its values, and fostering partnerships across the screen industries.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Governance
* Lead a review of the Guild’s governance, to ensure it is fit for purpose
* Provide clear strategic direction and leadership for the Guild in collaboration with the Board and COO.
* Support the ongoing modernisation of the Guild’s structure, policies, and operations.
* Make new connections with external stakeholders.
Funding & Financial Sustainability
* Oversee the development of a sustainable financial plan.
* Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to strengthen the Guild’s training and welfare programmes.
* Build partnerships with industry stakeholders, external stakeholders, trusts, and sponsors to secure financial and in-kind support.
Member Support & Welfare
* Champion initiatives that enhance members' welfare, including a fund to support members experiencing financial hardship.
* Promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and career progression within the Guild and across the sector.
Industry Engagement & Visibility
* Act as a visible and credible ambassador for the Guild with major film, television, and streaming organisations, as well as the film union, BECTU.
* Advocate for the recognition and fair treatment of British camera technicians within the global production landscape.
* Represent the GBCT at key industry events, panels, and working groups.
Collaboration & Mentorship
* Provide guidance and support to the COO, ensuring alignment between operational delivery and strategic priorities.
* Foster a collaborative, transparent, and forward-thinking culture within the Guild’s leadership.
* Help to develop a mentorship structure amongst members and with members and other similar organisations nationally and internationally.
* Help to develop better collaboration of schemes/programmes on offer, as many groups/organisations seek resources from the same small pool.
Qualifications
* Leadership and management experience, with strong decision-making and team-building skills
* Extensive knowledge of and/or hands-on experience in the film, television, or creative industries/similar fields
* Excellent communication, networking, and relationship-building capabilities
* Proven ability to prioritise tasks, manage projects, and meet deadlines effectively
* Strategic planning skills and experience with driving organisational growth
* Familiarity with industry standards, trends, and regulatory requirements
* Willingness to commit to representing GBCT publicly
* Passion for advancing the craft and quality of camera technicians in the film and television industry
Person specification:
Essential:
• Proven leadership experience, ideally within a membership, creative, or professional body.
• Proven experience of fundraising, sponsorship or industry relations within this or a similar sector.
• An understanding of social media and ways to increase visibility of the GBCT using social media platforms
• Excellent communication, diplomacy, and networking skills.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of building relationships, partnerships and securing resources.
• Experience and Commitment of meeting equity, diversity, inclusion needs in the creative industries.
Not:e: An understanding of the UK screen industries and the role of technical professionals within them, is not essential..
Desirable:
• Experience of fundraising, sponsorship, or industry relations.
• Background in film, television, or related sectors.
• Previous experience chairing a board or senior committee.
Time Commitment
• Approximately 2–4 days per month, including Board meetings (6x per annum), the AGM,
strategic sessions and industry events.
• Flexibility of hours may be required during key industry and/or fundraising periods.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a CV and covering statement outlining their relevant experience and vision for the Guild’s future to [] by [Thursday 14 May 2026].
Interviews are planned for after the Spring Bank Holiday.
Prior to submitting an application, the COO is available for a preliminary, informal chat about the role. Should you wish to enquire more about this opportunity, please contact giving three options of your availability.