The freelance charter
A successful freelance engagement is built on trust, transparency, and collaboration. Both our clients and our freelancers commit to a charter that reflects the values we want to uphold—and lays out the conditions required for an assignment to run smoothly. Here it is, in a subtle mix of the Ten Commandments and Master Yoda.
1. Honest about my skills, I will be
When we offer you an assignment, tell us plainly what you’re comfortable with—and what you’re less comfortable with. Sometimes we may still put your profile forward, but it allows us to be transparent with clients and avoid misunderstandings.
2. Clear feedback on briefs, I will give
When we send you a brief that doesn’t interest you, tell us candidly (but kindly—we have fragile little hearts). Understanding why you turn down an assignment helps us send you better briefs in the future.
3. Set my boundaries, I will
You don’t want to work evenings or weekends, you’re unavailable at certain times, or you refuse certain uses of your work? Tell us before the assignment starts—and make sure you tell the client too. Same if you feel the scope is expanding and it’s time to stop. You don’t have to apologize for setting boundaries—that’s exactly why you chose freelancing.
4. Responsive, I will be
First with us: we respond to briefs within 48 hours, so if you take too long to reply, the opportunity may unfortunately pass you by. Then with clients—but you know that part: they like fast answers.
5. Meet deadlines, I will
If you sense you won’t be able to deliver on time, that’s life—but let the client know in advance, ideally by phone so you can gauge their reaction and see whether it’s an issue.
6. Ask questions, I will
You know it, we know it: most assignments go off the rails because the client brief wasn’t very clear. But not all clients are used to briefing—so don’t hesitate to ask every question that comes to mind, before and during the assignment. To help you, we share tips and a brief template in this article that you can send to your client—or use as a discussion aid during the kick-off.
7. Transparent with acracy, I will be
You’re hesitating to accept another job while we’re waiting for a client’s response after presenting your profile? Tell us—we’ll find a solution. Same if you think an ongoing assignment should stop, or if you feel something is off. The sooner you let us know, the easier it is for us to react. We’re used to it :)
8. Give feedback, I will
On assignments first: please tell us how it went—whether it was great and you became BFFs with the client, or whether something felt off. It matters to us, and to the next freelancers who’ll work with that client. And on us, too: if we mess up, if there’s an issue, if the site bugs—or on the contrary if we’re great—tell us. It helps us improve.
9. Forget good manners, I will not
We know it’s an obvious rule, but sometimes assignments—or invoicing—are stressful. Still, nothing ever justifies aggression. We’re all doing our best. We reserve the right to put profiles on hold if they show disrespect toward acracy team members or our clients.
