The Grierson Trust has announced that Chair, Lorraine Heggessey is to step down from her role, after 11 years leading the organisation.

Lorraine Heggessey was appointed Chair of the Grierson Trust in January 2014. Under her leadership, the Trust has built strong relationships with major broadcasters, streamers and leading production companies to expand and deliver its suite of prestigious industry-led Grierson DocLab training programmes, alongside successfully growing the scope and influence of the annual British Documentary Awards.

As a strong advocate for greater representation in factual storytelling, Heggessey has grown the Grierson DocLab training programme significantly, providing mentorship and training for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Since 2012 the programme has supported over 200 trainees based across the UK, providing the knowledge, skills and experience to carve a successful career, while at the same time amplifying diverse voices and fresh perspectives in documentary filmmaking.

The Trust has also worked in partnership with Netflix and Prime Video Pathway to deliver several new training initiatives to address specific skills gaps in the industry and ensure trainees receive valuable work placements and industry exposure.

Heggessey has played a pivotal role in elevating the profile and reach of the Grierson Awards. Thanks to her strategic vision, leadership and commitment, the awards expanded recognition of diverse voices and emerging talent, reflecting the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking. Her industry expertise has helped to strengthen the Trust’s influence, champion innovation, and ensure the Griersons remain a leading benchmark for excellence in the documentary world.

Lorraine Heggessey said: “It has been a tremendous honour and a real joy to serve as Chair of the Grierson Trust championing excellence across all types of documentary for the past 11 years. I am incredibly proud of how the Trust has grown and in particular how it has become a significant force in training, helping young people from all backgrounds to become the factual filmmakers of the future whilst also expanding the range of DocLab training schemes to help people take the next step in their career. In a world where views are increasingly polarised and expressed in bite-size quotes, documentaries have a crucial role to play whether they’re telling truth to power or unravelling the complexities of international and domestic stories. It’s a wrench to leave such a wonderful organisation but I do so with full confidence that the Trust is in great shape and will continue to thrive, innovate and make a lasting impact on the documentary community for years to come.”

Sylvia Bednarz, Managing Director, the Grierson Trust added: “We are immensely grateful to Lorraine for her outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment, and the lasting legacy she leaves at the Grierson Trust. Her passion for documentary filmmaking and tireless support for emerging talent have been instrumental in shaping the Trust’s vision and impact. It has been a privilege to work alongside her, and we thank her sincerely for the dedication and insight she brought to her role as Chair.”

The search for a new Chair

The Grierson Trust has opened its search for a new Chair of the Board of Trustees who will work closely with the Board of Trustees and the Managing Director to guide the Trust’s strategic direction, ensure good governance, champion fundraising efforts and strengthen industry engagement. The Chair acts as an ambassador for the Trust’s values, helping sustain its reputation as a cornerstone of the UK’s documentary filmmaking community. The closing date for applications is Thursday 10 July.