The govt. says it’s appointing a Freelance Champion for the creative industries, am I right to feel sceptical?
This post is part of THE DEEP STUFF — reflective answers to the questions senior creatives ask when confidence and direction start to shift.
I write these pieces as a coach and a former creative director. I work with experienced creative leaders who are navigating confidence loss, change, and the pressure to stay relevant. No platitudes. No fridge magnet philosophy. Just saying what I hear.
For context this question came from a reaction to the recent Hansard report. You can read the transcription from the link below
A Freelance Champion for the creative industries. Someone in government whose job it is to advocate for freelancers. To represent the reality of working without safety nets in an industry that depends on you, yet rarely protects you. Late payment remains normalised. Access to credit is inconsistent. Pensions are largely self-built or ignored. Sick time, parental leave, breathing space, all labelled personal problems rather than systemic ones.
The very fact that things are finally being recognised at policy level confirms the precariousness of your status. When you’ve spent decades building expertise, it can feel undermining to be negotiating for what amounts to basic respect, in the form of proper payment standards and contractual support.
Uncertainty doesn’t just affect finances, it chips away at confidence, creativity and risk-taking. No policy announcement, however well-intentioned, fixes that overnight. So if you’re struggling to feel reassured by this latest bit of news it doesn’t mean you’re negative or resistant to change, just rightfully protective.
Don’t ignore how this makes you feel.
You don’t need to pin your sense of security, worth or future on a policy role that hasn’t yet translated into lived change. What does matter is how you continue to: protect your energy and make strategic choices about where and how you work. Is there something you aren’t addressing in your financial and personal life? Is there one simple conversation or enquiry you can make today which doesn’t leave you feeling dependent a system catching up?
Do the work, but stay on top of the stuff that keeps your life together.
If you like this mini series and have a question you don’t mind being answered publicly (no names obvs) get in touch by email
Discover more thinking from THE DEEP STUFF — the real questions senior creatives ask.
Read the full Hansard Report 22.01.26
Or better still follow the findings of the PEC Political Monitor Report. Creative PEC supports growth of the creative industries in the UK through independent and authoritative evidence and policy advice.