Profiles

Project Manager (contract): Frances Dredge

Frances Dredge

With a career in print publishing and communication, working for companies such as Harpers, Dow Jones and BAA, I now run my own consultancy business Purple Pear, which specialises in communications, publishing and training. We work on a contract basis for a number of organisations.

A member of the NUJ for several years, I have worked with the training department on a number of projects including managing this FEU project which focuses on helping to provide business skills for freelance members of the creative unions.

NUJ Lead union – NUJ Education & Training Officer: Linda King

Linda King

Working for the NUJ for over 10 years, I am passionate about education and, from its instigation in 1998, have lead the development of the NUJ training department including both professional and trade union training for members. We now offer a large variety of industry-based courses along with information, advice and guidance.

As well as working closely with members to assess changing skills needs and deliver the most appropriate training, our work includes collaboration with other unions, learning partners, employers and the Government. We have a large proportion of freelance members and continue to work on their behalf to facilitate the skills development opportunities that they need.

EQUITY – Project Worker: Kate Willoughby

As the newly-appointed Project Worker for 2011-12, my role encompasses a range of administrative responsibilities including co-ordination of training events, collation of data and the provision of information.

I have been an Equity member for several years and am a working actor and writer with a background in developing training for community as well as corporate projects.

My acting skills recently proved useful in one of our project workshops in which I took part in forum theatre staged as a method to illustrate the ways in which we can improve the way we communicate.

EQUITY – Training Manager: Louise Grainger

Louise Grainger

As Equity’s Marketing, Events, Training and Membership Services Manager, part of my role includes writing and producing many of the union’s publications including the Equity Guides Series. I am responsible for the Equity website and other initiatives such as training for members as well as working on joint training projects with sister entertainment industry unions.

I also organise Equity events and the union’s presence at industry events such as the Edinburgh Festivals, Leicester Comedy Festival, National Student Drama Festival, Magicians Convention, Vox, Move It – where I often lead workshops and seminars about working professionally in the entertainment industry. I have responsibility for various key Equity membership benefits including the Careers Advice and Job Information Services.

Musicians’ Union – Live Performance and Training Officer: Bindu Paul

Bindu Paul

I have been working for the Musicians’ Union since 2008. I have worked in the Regional offices in Cardiff and in London, dealing directly with members regarding any issues or enquiries they had with their career.

I am the Live Performance and Teaching Officer working in the MU HQ. As well as dealing with the initiatives we have in place for our members who teach, I also help to coordinate the region’s learning events.

Writers’ Guild – General Secretary: Bernie Corbett

Bernie Corbett

My role involves conducting extensive negotiations with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Independent Television (ITV), independent producers, theatre managers and others.

I was chief sub-editor of The Guardian and chief features sub-editor of The Independent as well as an activist in the NUJ where I was editor of its journal Journalist and organiser/chief negotiator for national newspapers. I was also organiser/negotiator for freelance journalists.