We’re pleased to announce the appointment of John Robinson (Design and Artists Copyright Society) and Nicola Solomon (Society of Authors) to the British Copyright Council’s Board of Directors.
John was nominated by the Association of Illustrators and brings invaluable experience having worked at a trade union (Equity, between 1986 and 1998, as opera & ballet organiser), a professional association (the Incorporated Society of Musicians 2000-2002 as Head of Legal & General Services) and a collecting society (DACS since 2002 and as Director of Legal & International since 2007).
John is currently part of the BCC’s Working Group on Technology and the team that drafted the Principles of Good Practice for Collective Management Organisations paper. Since 2006, John has served as Chair of the Educational Recording Agency (ERA).
“The BCC is delighted to welcome John to its Board. He has a wealth of experience in the copyright world that equips him extremely well to participate on the BCC Board. His contribution will be very significant and valuable, at a hugely important time for copyright.” Paul Mitchell, BCC Chairman.
Nicola was nominated by the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain and has been the General Secretary of the Society of Authors since March 2011. Her role there includes protecting authors’ interests in negotiations/disputes with publishers and agents, advising on tax, privacy and campaigning for authors’ rights, including copyright, e-book rights, Public Lending Right, defamation reforms and freedom of speech.
Nicola is a solicitor and worked at leading media firm Finers Stephens Innocent for 25 years, specialising in intellectual property and media law. Nicola has an in-depth knowledge of the publishing industry and the many associated legal areas, from copyright and defamation, to privacy, data protection and contract. Nicola recently drafted the BCC’s response on the proposed Small Claims Track.
“I am delighted that Nicola Solomon’s immense, practical copyright expertise has been added to the Board of the BCC to strengthen it even further.” Maureen Duffy, BCC President of Honour and Author.
John and Nicola replace Derek Brazell and Bernie Corbett and we are extremely appreciative to Derek and Bernie for their contribution over the past few years.