Good Practice Charter>

The Good Practice Charter gives art organisations clear standards to protect artists' working conditions.

Start now - it's free, takes 5 mins to register now, and only about an hour in total to sign up in full later!


   
   

  CHARTERED ORGANISATIONS  



How to Get Chartered

 
  1. Register your organisation’s interest in applying. Register Interest →
     
  2. Self-assess your organisation against the six principles of the Good Practice Charter through the Indicator measures →  and briefing papers:
    Valuing & Rewarding Artists →
    Health & Safety →
    Diversity & Equality →
    Work with Trade Unions →
    Social Responsibility →
    Mental Wellbeing →

  3. Apply to become a fully chartered organisation. To apply, tell us how your organisation meets or will work towards meeting the six principles of the Charter.
    Submit Application →

Testimonials






 
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should arts organisations sign up to the Good Practice Charter?


The Good Practice Charter is a set of principles designed to make the artworld a better place to work for both artists and employers. By signing up to the Charter, organisations can benefit in a number of ways, including:

  • Happier and more satisfied workers: The Charter promotes healthy and safe working conditions, clear policies on behaviour, and diversity and equality. This can lead to lower staff turnover, fewer grievances, and a more productive workforce.
  • A safer workplace: The Charter encourages organisations to take steps to prevent accidents and injuries. This can save money on insurance and lost productivity.
  • A more successful organisation: A healthy and productive workforce can lead to increased performance; the Charter can also help organisations attract and retain top talent.
  • A more sustainable organisation: The Charter promotes social responsibility and environmental sustainability. This makes organisations greener, more robust and more attractive to donors and volunteers.

Why was the Good Practice Charter started?


Did you know that the average annual income for visual artists in England is between £5,000-£9,000 ¹and yet, time and again they are asked to work for free, often given the excuse of being offered “exposure” in exchange for their work.

AUE was founded in 2014 to “redress the fact that all other cultural workers had independent representation from a Trade Union”. Run by an executive committee of volunteers, Artists’ Union England is a trade union that advocates and lobbies for artists and provides them with resources and services.

In 2020, we launched the 'Good Practice Charter' to work with arts organisations to improve the arts as a place to work.

The Good Practice Charter puts workplace protections and good practice within one framework. The law provides minimum protection for freelance workers around Health & Safety and the Equalities Act 2010, and the Good Practice Charter expands these standards. We want organisations to work towards and meet these standards in order to tackle inequality and exploitation in the art world.

¹ Livelihoods of Visual Artists Report by Arts Council England

How do we begin the process of applying?


Registering your interest in applying is the first step. It only takes 5 minutes, and anyone representing the organisation can do it. Why not take the first step now to let us know your organisation's interest in joining?

Simply fill in this form →


 






Take five minutes now to register your organisation's interest in joining the Good Practice Charter.






Got A Question?


If you have a question or comment then we’d love to hear from you. Just fill in this short form and a member of the team will be in touch, usually within 5 working days.


 

     





    Good Practice Charter>



    Joining is free, signing up is easy, and doing so will improve the lives of artists.