Official x3 in London

Full time, permanent (35 hours per week) Based in London. Salary on a scale starting at £70,854.32. 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas office closure. Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.

Equity recognises Unite as the staff group union. Equity is the UK trade union for professional performers and creative practitioners. Equity is respected as one of the most powerful entertainment unions in the world, and at the heart of the UK trade union movement. We are a growing union of around 50,000 members, proud of our strong organising and campaigning record. Our members are mostly freelance, with many working in greenfield and emerging areas in audio, videogames, dance and the light entertainment sectors. By contrast, most British TV, film and theatre are made on union agreements with minimum terms driving forward industry standards on everything from pay to dignity at work.

The Union has a team of staff in offices across the UK who have a wealth of experience and expertise when it comes to advice and representation. They are able to deal with the issues raised by members working in all areas of the industry whether it be a major feature film, a theatre in education show, radio voice overs, a circus act or any other live or recorded work. Equity is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all who believe they fit the essential requirements for the job.

The Roles

In three newly created posts, Equity is increasing the organising capacity and coverage for members working across film & TV and theatre and dealing with members' agents and other professional services. Each role is perfect for someone who will seize the opportunity to expand Equity’s work into new areas, independently develop and implement projects, visiting members in their workplaces to recruit new members and develop activists into the union’s democratic structures.

Ideally you will have experience of working in or with trade unions together with excellent negotiation, communication and advocacy skills, understand the organising agenda, be highly motivated, able to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team and have competent IT skills. You will have an understanding of organising members and supporting members within the local political environment, working in line with the Union’s democratic structures, and operating within trade union law and the Union’s own Rules. Officials work under the leadership of a Head of Section or member of the Secretariat, and in liaison with the Officials in the Nations and Regions. They are responsible for providing effective negotiations and service to members. The specific areas covered by each Official are set by the relevant member of the Secretariat, and may vary from time to time. Responsibilities may be shared across both Live Performance and Recorded Media Departments.

Agents & Professional Services Official

You will be at the forefront of protecting performers’ rights and shaping fair practices in the entertainment industry. You will support members with everything from contract advice and interpretation to resolving complex disputes over commission, late and non-payments, illegal fees, and agent conduct. Your work will range from engaging directly with agents on behalf of members, pursuing court claims to monitoring industry practices and collaborating with key stakeholders like the Employment Agencies Standards Inspectorate and the Personal Managers Association to uphold and improve industry standards and advocate for members’ rights. The role will expand coverage of servicing to cover supporting artists and variety agents, whilst taking a pro-active approach to recruit and organise members around common issues around agent’s contracts and lead on our relationship as a trades union with other services offered to members affecting their access to work, and the management of their freelance careers such as casting platforms.

Theatre Official

As a Theatre Official, you will play a vital role in organising and empowering performers, stage managers, and creatives across the entire theatre industry. The Live Performance Department covers the theatre industry from fringe and independent productions to subsidised venues, commercial tours, and the West End, and works together with Officials in the Nations & Regions. Working as part of a team of Officials in the department and supported by organisers and assistant organisers, you’ll negotiate and enforce collective agreements, visit workplaces, recruit new members, and train workplace reps to build a strong activist network. You’ll handle day-to-day issues such as grievances and disciplinary matters under existing agreements, and where none exist, you’ll seek to negotiate House Agreements to set minimum standards or pay and conditions. With theatre being one of Equity’s highest-density sectors, this role offers huge organising opportunities, from improving pay and securing a five-day rehearsal week to tackling poor conditions in touring and digs. You’ll lead campaigns that mobilise members to move from resilience to resistance and able to take credible action in upcoming negotiations and shaping the future of terms and conditions in the live sector. The specific workplaces and agreements covered by this role are to be confirmed.

Supporting Artists & Independent Film Official

As Equity’s Supporting Artists & Independent Film Official, you’ll champion fair treatment for performers in some of the most challenging areas of the industry. From tackling “no and low pay” issues in student films, low-budget independent films, and vertical dramas to safeguarding the rights of supporting artists, who make up a significant part of our membership working in Film & TV. By visiting and organising workplaces you will ensure their voices are heard and agreements upheld. You’ll lead on collective agreements for TV and film supporting artists, provide expert advice, and drive recruitment campaigns. As AI reshapes the creative landscape, you’ll also play a key role in distinguishing its use as a workplace tool such as body scanning for digital replicas, ensuring members are protected under law and union agreements. This is a unique opportunity to combine advocacy, negotiation, and innovation to make a real impact in the evolving world of film and television.

How to Apply

For details on how to apply, visit our website at www.equity.org.uk/about-us/work-at-equity.