The UK’s live events and production industry runs on passion, creativity and the incredible skill of the people who bring shows to life. At the Production Services Association (PSA), we believe that supporting those people means investing in their growth – helping them build new skills, stay safe, and keep developing throughout their careers. That’s exactly what the Dave Keighley Bursary and our wider training initiatives are all about.
Renamed in honour of Dave Keighley, a long-serving PSA council member, past chairman and stalwart of the global event production community, the bursary celebrates his dedication to supporting and uplifting others. The scheme exists to reduce financial barriers to training and development for freelancers and small business employees across the live events supply chain. Whether it’s funding for essential safety qualifications, specialist technical courses, or personal development training, the bursary gives members the chance to take that next professional step.
We know it’s not always easy to keep investing in yourself when work is unpredictable and budgets are tight. Freelancers, in particular, often carry the weight of personal and financial risk in an industry built on passion. That’s why the Dave Keighley Bursary can be a lifeline. It helps make training accessible when it might otherwise be out of reach. Not only that, it also reminds the recipients that they are part of a community that genuinely cares.
Beyond the bursary, the PSA also works hard to connect members with good training opportunities. We build relationships with trusted providers to make sure our members have access to relevant, high-quality courses – we are working to cover everything from safety and compliance to leadership, sustainability, and emerging technologies. We also negotiate discounts and encourage tailored programmes so that PSA membership continues to deliver real, practical value.
But development isn’t just about courses and funding. It’s about being part of a network that shares knowledge, offers guidance and looks out for one another. PSA members have access to a supportive community of peers who understand the realities of working in production, where advice and experience are shared freely.
The impact of the bursary can be seen through the experiences of members who’ve benefited from it. As Conor Murphy, a freelance production professional, shared: “When the PSA got in touch with me, they were so friendly and supportive. It’s not always easy being a freelancer taking on personal and financial risks, so being awarded the bursary made a huge difference – not just financially, but in knowing there’s an industry organisation standing behind you.”
Conor’s words sum up what the PSA and the bursary are all about: community, encouragement, and opportunity. Being a PSA member means having access to that support, as well as the tools and connections to keep growing. Through the PSA’s initiatives, we’re proud to reinvest in the people who make our industry thrive – and to continue Dave’s legacy of helping others reach their full potential.
Words: Tom Rees
Photo: PSA
