After six years as Chair of the High-end Television Council for ScreenSkills, Christine Healy is stepping down from both the council and ScreenSkills board. Her successor is Barry Ryan, Head of Production for Ink Factory Productions who will take up the role this month (April 2023).
“As HETV Skills Council chair and ScreenSkills board member, Christine’s comprehensive production experience and collaborative spirit have made a significant impact in tackling the acute skills gaps and shortages in the screen industries,” said Richard Johnston, Chair, ScreenSkills. “Her success in securing increased contributions into the HETV skills fund has improved the breadth and range of training and development opportunities that have enabled people to progress their production careers. On behalf of the ScreenSkills board, I would like to thank Christine for her tireless advocacy and I would also like to welcome Barry as the incoming Chair of the HETV Skills Council and to the ScreenSkills board.”
Under Christine’s leadership, contributions to the HETV Skills Fund have increased from approximately £3m per annum to £8 million in 2022/2023 – totalling almost £28m in contributions into the fund during her tenure. This has enabled the fund to deliver and expand successful programmes including Trainee Finder, Make a Move and Leaders of Tomorrow which were all voluntarily cited by respondents in the recent HETV annual workforce research.
“Christine has been an inspiring, passionate and supportive chair of the HETV Skills Fund, sharing her extensive knowledge of the industry to the benefit of the HETV Skills Fund and ScreenSkills more widely,” commented Kaye Elliott, Director of High-end TV, ScreenSkills. “Her in-depth knowledge and experience of the specific training and development requirements needed at every step of a person’s career in HETV has helped shape the Fund’s portfolio of programmes that deliver tangible and trusted impact, to help create a sustainable, flexible and skilled UK workforce.”
As well as continuing to champion the existing portfolio of training and development programmes offered by the HETV Skills Fund, Christine has been a keen advocate of the Fund’s career outreach programme. As Chair she has also encouraged fellow HETV industry professionals to share their career experiences with school children as well as personally giving a number of schools’ talks herself.
“I would like to thank Christine Healy for the huge contribution she has made during her tenure as Chair,” added Debbie Vertue, Director of Operations, Hartswood Films. “Her expansive knowledge, insight, and understanding of HETV has been immeasurable in supporting and guiding the HETV Skills Council to deliver the best possible training and opportunities for our sector. “
Christine Healy concluded: “I am so proud that through the growth of the HETV Skills Fund so many individuals from all backgrounds throughout the Nations & Regions have been and are being supported within their HETV careers. Stewarded by the amazing industry lead Council, the Fund offers comprehensive and directed training and skills development programmes for freelancers at every career level, and I know that with Barry as Chair the Fund will continue to thrive and evolve. Also it has been a privilege, as a member of the Board, to contribute to the wider impact of ScreenSkills, creating a highly trained and diverse workforce by offering opportunities for anyone pursuing a career in the UK screen industries.”
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