A union branch for museums and heritage freelancers

Museums and heritage organisations couldn’t function without freelancers. The sector runs on our expertise, flexibility and willingness to make it work. And yet there has been no way for freelancers to argue collectively for the pay and conditions we deserve.

Until now!

Why a Heritage Freelancers Branch of Prospect?

Freelancing in heritage can be fantastic – varied work, meaningful and interesting projects, connecting people, stories, objects and buildings. But it is also precarious and often stressful. Many of us have experienced low pay, late pay, putting unpaid hours into an application, scope creep, working while ill, feeling unable to take time off, and worries about planning for the future.

Work should not be like this.

Collectively, we can increase understanding of freelance work across our sector and bargain for better pay, terms and conditions. Prospect and Bectu have achieved this in the film and television industries, now it’s our turn!

Who is this for?

If you work freelance in the UK heritage sector this branch is for you. You don’t need to be a full-time freelancer. If you do any freelance work in the sector, you’re welcome.

Freelance means sole traders and people working through their own limited company as the sole employee.

Heritage includes museums, galleries, archives, historic houses, heritage charities, archaeological organisations, or adjacent cultural institutions.

Membership for our Heritage Freelancers Branch is open now.  Find out about all the benefits and join today!

Fees are based on your income. There is a discount if you are unemployed, on unpaid leave or between contracts. Membership is free for people on parental leave.