CODE OF CONDUCT
Definition:
Unpaid work is any scenario where a business exploits an individual for commercial gain by not paying for labour or services that have been provided by that individual.
Unpaid work can have a damaging effect on the relationship between freelancers and their clients. It creates an environment where freelancers suspect their clients of trying to take advantage of them, rather than a positive working relationship.
Note: There is a distinction between unpaid work and work experience, voluntary work and collaborative work.
Work experience is a formalised opportunity, agreed in advance, for individuals to observe a real work environment and undertake relevant activities within this environment to learn skills. Eg:
- A work experience programme through a course or educational institution
- A work placement (also known as an internship) This may be required by a specific course or training programme. It can also be a self-directed form of gaining experience for individuals who may feel their work is not yet of a standard where they are able to charge for it.
In both of the above, there is no expectation of payment as they are clearly part of a wider training or educational process.
Voluntary work is simply where labour is provided without the expectation of payment by the individual or business providing the services. Volunteers are not entitled to the minimum wage.
Collaborative work including Test Shoots or ‘Time for Print’ (TFP)
In the instance of a Test Shoot the collaborative end result has no direct commercial gain.
THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR FREELANCERS
I AGREE NOT TO WORK FOR FREE IF:
- I will be providing services or intellectual property which typically have a market value for nothing in return
I WILL ONLY WORK FOR FREE IF:
- The client is paying me in goods or services to the equivalent or greater value of my own intellectual property or services, and I have agreed this in advance
- It’s work experience (as defined above), voluntary work or collaborative work, and this has been agreed in advance of any services being provided.
By agreeing to this code of conduct, I am showing that I value my work, and the work of my colleagues and competitors. I agree to help my colleagues and share with them opportunities, knowledge and skills to ensure that everyone is treated equally
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CLIENTS
- I AGREE NOT TO ADVERTISE FOR UNPAID WORK
- I AGREE TO PAY THE MARKET VALUE FOR LABOUR OR SERVICES PROVIDED BY FREELANCERS
- I AGREE TO TREAT FREELANCERS WITH RESPECT, AND WHERE I AM OFFERING THEM A TRAINING OPPORTUNITY TO REALISE THIS IS NOT A SUBSTITUTION FOR FREE LABOUR
- I AGREE TO ATTRIBUTE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY TO ITS RIGHTFUL OWNER, AND TO SEEK PERMISSION AND OFFER PAYMENT WHERE THIS IS REQUESTED
By agreeing to this code of conduct, I agree to treat those I work with fairly and respect the talent, skills and value of those I engage on a freelance basis.
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