Lorraine Heggessey, Chair of The Grierson Trust said: “We’re looking for a dynamic and dedicated individual to lead The Trust into an exciting new phase. This is a fabulous opportunity for an individual who is passionate about documentaries and factual TV. The work that The Trust does to celebrate and champion the industry, and introduce new talent from under-represented groups through its Grierson DocLab training and mentoring schemes, is transformative and highly rewarding. We look forward to hearing from prospective candidates.”

The Grierson Trust is recruiting a new Managing Director to start in the early autumn. The role is UK-based, but fully remote and the hours are flexible. The closing date for applications is Monday, 20 June 2022.

See the full details on how to apply.

Lorraine Heggessey, continues: “Jane leaves very big shoes to fill. Under her leadership, The Grierson Trust has been transformed. Her knowledge of the UK documentary industry is unparalleled and she has made the annual Grierson Awards the most coveted awards in the factual filmmaking world. She has also skilfully steered the development and growth of The Trust’s training schemes for aspiring filmmakers, production managers and editors as well as ensuring The Trust is a recognised force within the industry. On a personal note, she has made my tenure as Chair of The Grierson Trust an absolute joy and I know I speak for the whole team when I say that we will miss her enormously when she goes at the end of the year.”

About Jane Callaghan

Jane Callaghan joined The Trust in 2002 as co-ordinator for the awards judging and ceremony, before becoming Managing Director in 2014. During her time at The Trust, she has guided six people through their Chair and governance of the charity: Larry Chrisfield, Eddie Mirzoeff, Jenny Barraclough, Murray Weston, Dawn Airey and Lorraine Heggessey. In her time, the awards have grown from a slightly niche celebration with just five categories to a globally recognised industry event with 18 categories supported by the likes of the BBC, Channel 4, Netflix, Discovery and Disney+.

Reflecting on her time with Grierson and her plans for the future – and retirement – Jane says: “It has been a privilege to lead this organisation working at the centre of the television industry. It has brought the extraordinary opportunity to recognise and champion important, historic and entertaining documentaries at a time when factual programming could not be more vital in articulating and explaining the world around us. I am also proud to have facilitated the launch of Grierson DocLab, bringing new and under-represented voices into the industry. Hearing from alumni on their achievements – from securing new contracts to winning Griersons and a BAFTA – makes my heart soar with pride.

“In retirement I plan to remodel Grierson HQ (a room above my garage) into a reading room, journey on some international rail trips and spend more time in my garden. But in the meantime, I’m looking forward to working with my successor in the build-up to the 50th anniversary Griersons and a seamless handover to ensure the future growth and success of The Trust.”

Read more about the Managing Director vacancy.

The 50th British Documentary Awards are currently open for entries until Friday, 20 May 2022.

Find out more and enter.