Best Practice Guide

Commitment to Model Welfare

We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of management, care, and guidance for our models. Our Code of Conduct serves to promote respect, ethical behavior, and accountability throughout all areas of our industry.

By implementing a strong framework of best practices, we aim to protect and empower our models while fostering a safe, professional, and respectful working environment.

Our Commitment to Models

We prioritise the well-being, safety, and professional development of the models we represent. We are committed to providing accurate, professional guidance in all aspects of their careers, ensuring they receive the support and protection they deserve.

We Assure Our Models of the Following:

Accountability: We are responsible for upholding the highest professional standards and providing remedies for any complaints.
Financial Transparency: Clear and professional financial practices will be maintained at all times.
Industry Financial Guidance: Models will receive advice on financial responsibilities, including HMRC registration, self-employment requirements, and access to chartered accountants when needed.
Well-being Support: Models will have access to qualified professionals for guidance on nutrition, mental health, and general well-being.
Safe Working Environment: We actively enforce policies against harassment, bullying, discrimination, and racism through contractual terms issued to clients and in agreements with models.
Respect for All: We uphold a culture of mutual respect among peers, clients, and industry professionals.
Complaint Resolution: We provide clear channels for models to report disputes involving agencies, casting directors, photographers, brand employees, or any other industry professionals.

Health, Nutrition & Well-being

We recognize the importance of physical and mental well-being in the modeling industry.

Professional Advice: Models should always seek qualified advice regarding nutrition and health.
Be Well Collective Partnership: We endorse the Be Well Collective, a non-profit organization led by qualified professionals, offering expertise in nutrition, mental health, and well-being.
Healthy Standards: Members must promote healthy lifestyles and attend workshops on well-being, eating disorders, and mental health.
Body Diversity & Realistic Expectations: We acknowledge that every model is unique and will not require models to maintain unrealistic body measurements.

Measurement Guidelines:

Physical measurements will be conducted with privacy, discretion, and respect.
No body, bikini, or lingerie photos of models under 18 will be taken, sent, or received. Third parties will be discouraged from requesting such imagery.
Foreign agencies must consult with UK mother agents before taking measurements.

For additional support, visit: www.bewellcollective.co.uk/helplines

Model Agreements

Models under 18: Contracts must be signed by a parent/guardian.
Models 18 and over: Must re-sign agreements upon reaching adulthood.
Transparency in Terms: Any restrictive clauses (e.g., termination conditions) must be clearly outlined.

Financial Practices & Transparency

We commit to full financial transparency, including:

Commission structure, rates, and expenses clearly outlined.
Complete job details provided, including usage terms and reimbursement procedures.
Access to financial documents, including contracts, invoices, and statements, upon request.
Guidance on VAT registration and tax relief for international jobs.
Client Account Compliance: Payments must be processed within 10 working days of receiving client funds.
No unnecessary NDAs: Models will not be required to sign non-disclosure agreements unless strictly necessary.
Debt Collection & Compliance: Agencies must take reasonable steps to recover outstanding client debts in a timely manner.
FCA Consumer Credit License: Required for agencies advancing money with interest; APR must be disclosed in advance.

Zero Tolerance for Harassment, Bullying, Discrimination & Racism

We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive industry by:

Discouraging micro-aggressions from clients or agency staff.
Prioritising model safety and well-being on all bookings, both domestic and international.
Ensuring comprehensive booking details (flights, accommodation, transport, visas, insurance).
Providing food and drink on set, unless agreed otherwise.
Protecting models from coercion and ensuring prior consent for any controversial styling or setups.
Prohibiting solo visits to private residences for test shoots (under 18s must be chaperoned).
Conducting due diligence on all new photographers before introducing them to models.
Avoiding international bookings for under-18 models without a chaperone.

For further legal guidance, visit: www.gov.uk/child-employment

Model-Agency Relationships

We recognise that model-agency relationships must be built on trust, communication, and respect.

Personal Induction: New models will be introduced to the agency’s history, values, and expectations. For under-18 models, parents/guardians must also be invited.
Workshops & Open Dialogue: Models will have access to group workshops to discuss industry concerns in a judgment-free environment.
Model Handbook: A clear, accessible guide outlining career expectations, agency obligations, and complaint procedures.
Sensitive Career Management: Members will approach career transitions and contract releases with care and transparency.
Inclusive Practices: Agencies will ensure all beauty professionals on set are skilled in working with diverse hair/skin types.
Pronoun Inclusivity: Staff and models may adopt preferred pronouns in communications.
Parental Consent for Under-18s: Direct contact with under-18 models requires parental approval.

Model Accommodation & Complaint Management

Due Diligence on Hosts: Agencies will conduct thorough checks on accommodations for models.
Diversity & Inclusion Training: Agency staff are encouraged to undergo regular training.
DBS Certification: Required for staff overseeing under-18 models.
Anonymous Feedback Channels: Models will be encouraged to submit feedback anonymously, with agencies committed to policy adjustments where necessary.
Internal Complaint Resolution Process: Agencies must have clear procedures for managing disputes, escalating issues to legal bodies (e.g., the Police or British Fashion Council) when necessary.
No Retaliation for Complaints: Models will not face any negative repercussions for raising concerns.