THE FULL 5GPs DOCUMENT
BACKGROUND
At the start of the Freelance Taskforce we were part of the original admin team
and collated the ‘burning issues’ from 130+ freelancers to draw out a set of ‘key
themes’. One of these was the desire for a best-practice model for organisations
working with Freelancers. As a starting point we looked at the ‘fair trade’ model
- a marque that could be adopted as a way of subscribing to best practice. This
marque would identify an organisation so Freelancers & other organisations
would be able to assume a shared set of values or principles.
The conversation around this topic has wandered as working groups have taken
on specific issues and/in specific sectors and/relating to specific roles. Following
an Open Space event a large number of FTF members agreed to align with 7
Working Points to share the work being undertaken. The first of those points was
‘ The creation of a Working Fair Trade Active Agreement’ .
With the 5 Guiding Principles we’re attempting a model that can be subscribed to
- regardless of the size of an organisation, the specific sector it sits within, or the
kind of activities it delivers.
In order to inform this model, we distributed a survey to the South West sponsor
organisations to capture their voices. A version of that survey has also been
circulated to Dance organisations by the Dance working group. We also created
a survey for Early Career Artists and Practitioners in Cornwall. We are conscious
that whilst all freelancers are vulnerable, those graduating now are struggling to
even begin.
Sharing this document with the South West, Dance and What Next working
groups in the taskforce has influenced it further and we acknowledge specific
pieces of work done by them around representation and pay for example.
This version of the document has also been informed by discussions with
sponsor organisations about adopting the proposed model.
ADOPTING THE PRINCIPLES
Ahead of joining the taskforce we had noticed a shift in some language - in
reacting to the Covid crisis and early sector responses to it - that could separate
organisations and freelancers rather than view them holistically as part of the
same endeavour. We see this piece of work as a joint enterprise in which
organisations and freelancers positively empower each other.
We foresee a process in which each organisation works together with its
Freelancers to best interpret the principles as relevant actions. Referring to the
outputs of the various working groups, sector-wide lobbying, and existing
models of best practice will provide guidance on how to do this.
Subscribing to the 5 guiding principles requires a commitment from all of us to
keep working on applying them. Using a set of principles allows space for policy
and strategy to develop as the sector shifts and develops into the future.
We believe that by working together we can also help each other hold ourselves
to account. The Marque will be administered from a simple website that will list:
1. The 5 Guiding Principles
2. Organisations subscribed to the model
3. A reference library of links to guidance - for eg. policies, manifestos &
proposals generated by Freelancers and the sector
4. A reference library of links to existing models of best practice
The South West Taskforce Group will also offer to co-host, with organisations
and their freelancers, workshop-discussions on adopting the model.
These principles were written by Alister O’Loughlin & Miranda Henderson. This version
has been reached with contributions from Charlotte Kransmo and June Gamble. NB: The
phrase ‘Nothing about us without us’ has a 500 year old history but is most recently
identified with disability activism from the 1990’s to the present. It arose during a
meeting between the dance working group and People Dancing, and we use it here
respectfully.
THE 5 GUIDING PRINCIPLES - A FAIR TRADE MODEL
1 - Fair Pay
Includes recognition of all the work undertaken - including planning, travel,
evaluations etc. Also the experience of the Freelancer - using Freelancer
approved pay scales.
2 - Inclusion
Rather than diversity - referencing for e.g. FUEL’s manifesto, the Dance group’s
IDEALLL document, the open letter on Neuro Divergent Freelancers and so on.
Continuously re-examining and questioning internal structures and the culture
within organizations to insure inclusivity is the norm.
3 - Representation
Freelancers represented in decision making that affects Freelancers, borrowing
the principle ‘Nothing about us without us’.
4 - Transparency
What does a job entail & what is the budget? Can we be clear from day one?
What does representation in an organisation look like? Recording & publishing
data around Freelancers engaged by organisations, sharing best practice etc.
5 - Sustainability
A commitment to supporting Freelancers: from platforming early career artists
and practitioners to continuing relationships with mid and late career
Freelancers. Recognising that Freelancing by its nature is precarious and support
is needed to keep people in the profession.
SUGGESTED ACTIONS FOR ORGANISATIONS
1 - Adopt the 5 guiding principles
Share how this looks in practice for you - employ the ongoing work from various
groups of the FTF (on pay, anti-racism, d(D)eaf & disabled access etc).
2 - Apply ‘Nothing about us without us’
If an organisation relies on Freelancers to fulfil its aims, they should be part of
setting those aims. Working to include Freelancers in decision making - for e.g.
development strategies, commissioning & recruitment panels, boards etc. Where
possible, no one left feeling that they are ‘the only one’ in the room.
3 - Keep talking & sharing
Create spaces for conversations. Organisations working together to prevent
Freelancers falling through gaps of support.
4 - Bulk-buying & Bartering
Where organisations order - be it software, equipment, or CPD such as First Aid
courses, etc - can we offer to Freelancers too and reduce costs for all? If time for
planning cannot be covered, what can be offered instead? Training, marketing &
mentoring of Freelancers’ own projects? Understanding that not all freelancers
will be willing/able to accept this instead of a higher day rate.
5 - Schools & YP
Can we work together to ensure that every child in school sees a live
performance at least once every year and there are opportunities to participate
built in? Further participation opportunities to support the next generations.
6 - Build development ladders
Offer time & space (when are your rooms dark?) Play, Peer-to-Peer training &
learning, ‘missing piece’ conversations, opening address books, Scratch Nights +
Mentors, industry audience showings, educating on watching works-in-progress
& feeding back - Liz Lerman’s ‘Critical Response’ etc?
SUGGESTED ACTIONS FOR FREELANCERS
Reading the organisation survey responses, some common themes would be
resolved if we:
1. Clearly articulate what we can do. Say when a role/task/job is beyond our
current capacity.
2. Clearly articulate what we want . Is this job an end in itself or a stepping
stone? Are we hoping to work longer-term with this organisation?
3. Be prepared to ask for help.
4. Respond quickly to calls for information/contracts/monitoring.
5. Evaluate and share our evaluations.
NEXT STEPS
Organisations interested in subscribing please email:
5GuidingPrinciples@gmail.com
List what existing/planned programmes of work/actions are happening that align
with the 5 Guiding Principles:
For example in Cornwall:
The HFC/FEAST cuppa culture weekly meetings
The contracting of Freelancers by HFC to manage public consultation on the council’s new Cultural Manifesto
Prodigal Theatre's Emergent Ensemble contracts 6 early career artists for 1 week a month over 9 months, up-skilling them as self-producers whilst also embedding them in the ongoing work of the company with community engagement, touring, and the creation of a new festival as outcome.
For example in Plymouth:
The FTF representatives are co-hosting conversations with Plymouth Culture for freelancers and organisations who engage freelancers in the city.
The Plymouth Cultural Education Partnership consults with and engages freelancers in their projects to actively involve schools and children and young people in culture in Plymouth.
For example, the Peninsula Dance Partnership:
Hall For Cornwall, Plymouth Dance and Dance in Devon, have secured and are distributing CPD and choreographic bursaries and business coaching support for freelance dance artists/companies, with a total value of £37,500, in response to COVID-19.