Working with Freelancers

South West Museum Development launch new resources with Museum Freelance

Working in partnership with Museum Freelance, South West Museum Development has developed a set of key principles for commissioning and working with freelancers to support the museum sector. Freelancers make a vital contribution to the museum and heritage sector. The principles and guidance were developed in recognition of the important role freelancers play. Museums currently working or planning to work with freelancers are being encouraged to read and follow them.

• Principles for commissioning and working with freelancers (including an additional version with space for notes for implementation)

South West Museum Development has also developed a set of practical guides on:

• How to write an effective freelance brief
• How to commission freelancers in a fair, inclusive and transparent way
• Contracts, work plans and  working effectively with freelancers

” We really welcome South West Museum Development’s leadership and commitment to developing fair and inclusive procurement practices and successful working relationships between museums and freelancers, which our 2020 survey on freelancing in the sector highlighted as a real need.”
Christina Lister & Marge Ainsley, Museum Freelance

“South West Museum Development is committed to upholding these principles in our own work and through the funding we provide in recognition of the important role that freelancers play in supporting the sector ”
Victoria Harding, SWMD Programme Manager