Government Appoints Freelance Champions for the Creative Sector
The UK Government has announced the appointment of two Freelance Champions, Leila D’Aronville and Lizzie Crump, whose primary role will be to advocate for the interests of the 703,000 freelancers within the creative industries. This initiative aligns with commitments outlined in the Creative Industries Sector Plan and aims to embed the voices of self-employed individuals at the core of governmental decision-making.
According to recent statistics, freelancers form a crucial part of the UK’s creative workforce, making up 28.5% of the 2.6 million people employed in the sector as of 2025. This figure is nearly twice the self-employment rate in the wider economy, highlighting the significant role that freelancers play in driving creativity and innovation across various fields.
Addressing Key Challenges in Freelancing
The newly appointed champions will focus on addressing the findings from the Good Work Review, which shed light on various challenges faced by freelancers. These include issues such as unpaid work, limited professional development opportunities, and difficult working conditions, despite the high levels of job satisfaction typically associated with freelance roles.
By collaborating closely with both the freelance community and industry stakeholders, D’Aronville and Crump aim to enhance understanding of the unique needs of freelancers. This approach is intended to ensure that government policy is informed by the realities faced by this often-marginalised segment of the workforce.
Experience and Commitment to Advocacy
Leila D’Aronville, who has a background in supporting freelancers and small organisations in the North East, brings a wealth of experience to her role. Lizzie Crump, a co-director of What Next?, the UK’s largest free access network for the arts, also has extensive experience in cultural policy. Together, they have over 40 years of combined experience in the creative industries.
Supporting them in their mission is Dave O’Brien, Professor of Cultural and Creative Industries at the University of Manchester, who will provide research assistance during his academic secondment to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Their terms of reference can be found on the official government website.
A Commitment to Sustainable Careers
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed her support for the new appointments, stating that freelancers are essential to the creative industries and deserve fulfilment and support in their careers, just like any other worker. The Government is dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can build sustainable careers in the creative sector, regardless of their location or job title.
In her remarks, D’Aronville emphasised the importance of advocating for improved conditions for freelancers, while Crump highlighted the necessity of providing the tools and infrastructure needed to navigate the evolving challenges within the sector.
Investment in the Creative Industries
The Government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, launched in June 2025, included a commitment of £380 million aimed at making the UK the leading destination for creative investment globally. This initiative is designed to substantially increase business investment by 2035 and has already seen progress through various announcements focused on enhancing access to finance and supporting growth in sectors such as video games and music.
Industry leaders, including Sara Whybrew from the British Film Institute and Darren Henley from Arts Council England, have welcomed the appointments, recognising the vital importance of ensuring freelancers are heard in policy discussions and treated with the respect they deserve. They are optimistic that the Freelance Champions will make a meaningful difference in supporting the freelance community.
The Road Ahead for Freelancers
With the ongoing advocacy for freelancers, including addressing employment rights and the social safety net, the Champions are poised to tackle numerous challenges. The Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre has long advocated for the establishment of such roles within government, and the recent appointments are seen as a significant step toward ensuring the contributions of freelancers are accurately represented in policy, data, and research.
As Leila D’Aronville and Lizzie Crump embark on their new roles, they carry the hopes of many freelancers who have long sought recognition and support within the creative industries. The future of UK creativity may well depend on the success of their advocacy efforts.