Introduction

This document is the beginning(s) of creating a code of conduct for Creative Agencies that hire individuals as part of an internship.

It has been created because we got quite tired with the exploitive practices that have been used by agencies for decades and the onus that has been put on emerging designers to find fixes for this problem.

Any form of work, and in our instance creative work, should be paid appropriately for the time spent on it.

This code of conduct outlines basic practices that create a fair, safe and respectful workplace for creative interns.

Our desire is for companies to sign a pledge that from the date of their signature onwards they are committed to this code of conduct.

If they are found to be in violation of this, an independent party can be reported to and the issue will be investigated. Upon notification of violation, a company will be suspended indefinitely.

If a company isn’t on the list then it can’t be confirmed if they are, or are not, an equal employer for internships.

This may (or we hope) create a standard and culture where the industry starts to take responsibility and that those that are not signed up feel a duty/pressure to do so.

Payment

Internships, apprenticeships, junior positions, associates, freelance, trials: whatever you want to call it should be paid at a minimum of the National LIVING Wage.

In no uncertain terms: where an individual is carrying out tasks (a service) for another individual or company, this is regarded as “work” and therefore should be paid an appropriate hourly wage.

It is important that rather than payment is hourly and not “a monthly fee” — because this specifies that if an individual is working 40 hour weeks, they are paid for those 40 hours.

Some examples:

• An individual has a contract (verbal or written) with a design studio to be in their London office from 9-5, Monday to Friday, and carry out tasks that the design studio asks them to do. This work should be paid an hourly rate equivalent to the National living wage for their location. This would be £10.85 per hour, £434 per week or a minimum of £1,736 per week.
• An individual is working as an assistant on a photoshoot. They are there on the day of the shoot from 8am through to 2pm (a total of 6 hours). This work should be paid an hourly rate equivalent to the National living wage for their location at a minimum. This would be £10.85ph inside London, so £65.10.

Treatment [WIP]

TBC