CHEAD Supporting Graduates’ Creative Futures

An awareness raising session for creative educators and careers advisors of the vital employability skills and knowledge required for our creative students to thrive in their creative career.

This session will be delivered by a multi-agency partnership with the BFI, Freelancers Club, Artist’s Global Network for Environmental Sustainability – AGNES, Anti Copying in Design – ACID, and the Intellectual Property Office – IPO, and will cover an understanding of best practices for self-employment in the Creative Industries, how to protect your creator’s rights,  and how to support our  environmentally responsible creatives.

In a nutshell – everything you need to know that might not be covered in your course.    

Who should attend?

Programme leaders, Course Directors, Heads of Careers.

Attendees will:

• Gain industry insights, make contacts and receive access to resources for the benefit of creative students in all disciplines.
• Improve access and inclusivity by creating opportunities for minoritised and underrepresented students to enter and progress in the industry.
• Professionalise and enhance your institution’s employability offer for creative students.
• Improve graduate outcomes performance measures.

Speakers:

Sara Whybrew (BFI)

Sara is currently the Director of Skills and Workforce Development at the British Film Institute, overseeing a multi-million-pound portfolio of initiatives designed to develop and progress a greater diversity of people into the screen workforce and support businesses to adopt inclusive operating cultures.  She also works closely with Government departments in all nations of the UK to both inform, and create sectoral responses to, skills policy priorities.

Sara is passionate about supporting fair and equal entry to work across the creative and cultural industries regardless of one’s background, previous educational achievement, or personal circumstances.  Having previously held senior roles at ScreenSkills and Creative & Cultural Skills, she has led the development and delivery of national sector skills programmes supporting sectoral growth whilst opening the sector’s doors to those that are underrepresented in the workforce. She has also worked with hundreds of employers to help them learn about fair access and adopt inclusive recruitment practices.  During her time at Arts Council England, Sara co-created the £15 million Creative Employment Programme, which she subsequently went on to deliver, supporting thousands of unemployed young people into work across the arts.  She later created and led the delivery of the award-winning Discover Creative Careers Week, which continues today.

Sara initially trained at art school, later training as a post-16 teacher, she has worked in both Further and Higher Education.

Matt Dowling (Freelancers Club)

Matt is a visionary entrepreneur, influential thought leader, and sought-after speaker who has redefined the freelance economy. As the founder of Freelancer Club, he has built a pioneering community-driven platform that empowers freelancers through cutting-edge resources, professional development, and high-value job opportunities. Matt and his team have equipped thousands of students with the skills and opportunities to thrive in the evolving world of work.

A prominent advocate for freelancers, Matt collaborates with policymakers, industry leaders, and cultural influencers to shape the future of work. His insights have been featured in The Guardian, The Times, and The Financial Times, and he is a regular voice on major broadcast networks including BBC, LBC, and RTE. Recognised as a leading authority in the sector, Matt continues to drive innovation, influence legislation, and champion a fairer, more dynamic freelance economy.

Laura Newbold Breen (ACID)

Lucy joined ACID in December 2023 as COO following 10 years as Head of Legal for Magmatic Ltd, previous owner of the Trunki brand. In June 2024, Laura was appointed the new CEO of ACID, renewing her commitment to supporting the ACID Community and ensuring we are armed in the fight against intellectual property (IP) infringement. She is responsible for the strategic and operational aspects of ACID, and drives continual improvements to ensure ACID’s members receive the best support they can to ensure their businesses and creativity is protected.

Laura holds a Masters’ Degree in Psychology and has extensive experience in a wide range of business areas including HR, Operations, Compliance and H&S as well as IP. She is passionate about UK manufacturers, designers and SMEs and committed to supporting them navigate the complexities of IP.

Marion Horwood (ACID)

As ACID’s Head of Membership & Legal Affiliate Engagement, Marion leads on recruiting, engaging and retaining members as well as developing and promoting the full range of new and current events and benefits for our members. Marion assists ACID’s members with their IP strategy needs, and works closely with ACID’s team of Legal Affiliates to ensure a varied programme of events and support is in place, as well regularly engaging with ACID’s partners and exhibition organisations.

Prior to joining ACID, Marion worked for PRS for Music for many years and, as part of their in-house legal team, gained a wealth of knowledge in music copyright infringement as well as working in a membership organisation.

Kevin Price (AGNES Co-Founder) recently left his full-time career in senior management in the arts, principally as the COO of BAFTA, he is now working on a small number of new arts-based projects. In particular, Kevin was interested in creating a consortium for the UK Artist and Creator community which could fulfil a similar role to albert https://wearealbert.org/ for the TV & Film industries. For context, Kevin brought albert into BAFTA in 2011 and acted as its Chair and lead ambassador for 11 years.

Lucy Warry (AGNES Co-Founder)  Following a career in environmental consultancy and management, Lucy embarked on a part-time Ceramics degree at Carmarthen School of Art. Whilst thoroughly enjoying the creative process, she became very conscious of the impact of the materials she was using to create with, along with the psychology of environmental art and its impact. She has experience of working with a wide variety of people including many different environmental authorities and government bodies; her experience of running successful communication networks and developing community liaison groups will be a huge asset to AGNES. The combination of her professional background and being a current art student, gives her a unique and valuable insight.