Freelance Contract

What is a freelance contract?

A freelance contract is a simple legal document that defines terms and conditions for the provision of freelance services. Contractors, startups, freelancers, independent consultants, small businesses, and service providers can use this freelance contract template UK to engage freelancers.

A document has a simple structure defining the main pillars of cooperation, such as payment terms, scope of work, termination, and governing law. This template is created in line with the general principles of UK contractual law.

Who should use this freelance contract template?

Having a professionally drafted freelance contract can be suitable for individuals and businesses engaged in the provision or ordering of freelance services in the UK, including:

• graphic designers;
• copywriters or content creators;
• photographers, videographers and bloggers;
• other self-employed professionals.

This freelance contract template can be used for the provision of offline or online freelance services. Please note that this document cannot be used, however, for the provision of:

• software development services;
• accounting and bookkeeping services;
• cleaning services;
• consultancy services;
• SEO and digital marketing services;
• other provisional services by virtue of a general service or master service agreement.

Difference between general service and freelancer contract templates in the UK

Both a freelance contract and a services agreement allow businesses and individuals to engage independent professionals for the provision of various types of services. While being similar, these documents target different goals:

• Parties Involved. General service or master services contracts are usually used for the provision of professional services for which specific skills or expertise are required. For example, engagement of a solicitor should be performed by virtue of a contract for the provision of legal services.
• Complexity. A freelance contract is usually being used for short-term projects and small teams. For example, a company may hire a freelancer to create a couple of TikTok videos to advertise their services or goods. Contrary to that, a services contract is used for more complex and long-term projects. Moreover, a services contract normally includes a list of milestones and key dates, while deadlines in a freelance contract might be more flexible.
• Flexible Termination. A standard template for freelance contracts in the UK provides flexible conditions for their termination. On the other hand, in a services contract, an early termination is commonly subject to a material breach of a contract.
• Location. Finally, most freelance services are provided remotely. Engagement of a service provider based on a services agreement allows a client to specify an exact location for the delivery of services or works.

Why do freelancers need written freelance contracts?

There are no legal requirements in the UK that mandate businesses and individuals to engage freelancers using a written freelance contract. However, most freelancers choose to have one because it helps:

• Define the scope of work. A simple freelancer contract template defines the scope of work that instantly clarifies the client’s expectations and prevents the client’s disappointment.
• Clarify Payment Terms. A written contract significantly protects a freelancer against non-payment or untimely payment.
• Protect in a Dispute. If there is a dispute between the client and a freelancer, a court or other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body can use a written contract as proof for the initial arrangement between the parties.

What should be included in the freelance contract template?

A solid template for a freelance contract shall include the following mandatory sections:

Project Details

The first and most important thing the parties to a freelance contract should do is to define the scope of work or services to be provided. For example, if a freelancer is engaged to create an article or a blog post, parties have defined a final deliverable or output, including the number of words, language, specific topic, style of writing, and if using ChatGPT is allowed, etc.

The more precise the scope of work is defined in the document, the more parties are protected against any further disputes along the road.

Completion Date

Unlike IT services agreements that include a list of milestones and key dates, a freelance contract is a simple document that mainly defines:

• commencement date; and
• completion date.

Fees

Freelance contract agreement templates usually include either of the two payment models below:

• an hourly rate; or
• a fixed rate per project.

Sometimes a freelancer may request a prior deposit to start providing services. All fees must be indicated in British pounds exclusive of VAT.

Governing Law

The contract must outline the law of which jurisdiction shall apply for the provisions and dispute resolution under this contract. The parties can select the laws of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Usually this is the place of living of a freelancer or a registered place of business for a client.

How to customise this freelance contract template in the UK?

To get a fully customisable document, follow these steps below:

1. Click the “Create Document” button.
2. Answer simple questions in the form.
3. Select a template’s format – PDF or Word.
4. E-sign the document online for free.
5. Make a payment.

The document is ready for instant download and signature immediately after the purchase.