Freelancing can sometimes make support feel fragmented, but you do not have to deal with every question or problem alone.

Trade unions, professional associations and peer networks can all support your working life, but they do different things. A union may advise or represent you when something goes wrong, while a professional association can offer role-specific guidance, training and community. Networks can help you connect with other freelancers who share your location, identity, discipline or experience.

This page will help you understand the difference, find the organisations most relevant to your work and prepare before asking for advice.

1. Union, professional association or network?

You may benefit from more than one kind of organisation. Understanding the difference will help you decide where to take a question and what you can expect in return.

You do not necessarily need to choose only one. A freelancer might belong to a trade union for workplace protection, a professional association for role-specific development and one or more networks for community and connection.

These organisations can also help freelancers share experiences, identify common problems and build a stronger collective voice for change.

2. Find the right support for your role

Theatre and performing-arts roles are not all represented by the same trade union. Coverage can also overlap, particularly if you combine several disciplines or work across theatre, live events, film, television or education.

Our quick finder will help you identify the union most likely to cover your work, alongside professional associations and networks that may also be useful.

The finder is a starting point rather than a definitive membership recommendation. Eligibility, coverage and services can change, so check the organisation’s current terms or contact it directly before joining.

3. What a union may be able to help with

A trade union does more than campaign collectively for better pay and working conditions. Depending on your membership, the union and the circumstances, it may also be able to advise or represent you when something goes wrong at work.

Contact your union as early as possible. Deadlines can apply to workplace complaints and legal claims, and taking action before receiving advice could affect the support available.

4. When to contact your union

You do not need to wait until a situation becomes a formal dispute. A union may be able to help you understand your options, prepare for a conversation or prevent a problem from escalating.

Contacting the union early can be particularly important where a deadline may apply or you are being asked to make a decision, attend a meeting or respond to an allegation.

While you are waiting for advice

• Keep copies of contracts, emails, messages, call sheets, invoices and payment records.
• Write a factual timeline of what happened, including relevant dates and conversations.
• Note any deadline, meeting or response date you have been given.
• Avoid deleting, editing or publicly sharing relevant correspondence.
• If possible, avoid agreeing to a final outcome until you understand your options.

5. How to ask for advice

You do not need to understand the law, know the correct terminology or have decided what outcome you want before contacting your union. Give a clear summary of what has happened, explain any immediate deadlines and ask what you should do next.

Use the union’s recommended advice channel where possible. This may be an online form, helpline, email address or contact through a branch or representative.

What to include in your first message

• Your membership details: include your membership number if you have one.
• Your role and working arrangement: explain what work you do and whether you were engaged as freelance, employed or under another arrangement.
• A short summary: describe what has happened in a few factual sentences.
• The important dates: say when the work began, when the problem arose and when relevant conversations took place.
• Any urgent deadline: make this clear near the beginning of your message.
• What you have received: mention relevant contracts, emails, messages, invoices, meeting invitations or other documents.
• What you have already done: explain whether you have raised the issue or responded to anyone.
• What you need now: ask for advice about your options and what to do next.

Sending documents and evidence

Follow the union’s instructions about how and when to provide documents. If you are asked to send evidence:

• Send copies and keep your own record of everything submitted.
• Use clear filenames that include the document type and date.
• Keep messages and correspondence in their original order and context.
• Ask how confidential or sensitive information should be shared securely.

6. Professional associations and peer networks

Trade unions are not the only source of professional support. Associations and peer networks may offer specialist guidance, training, events, resources, opportunities and connections with others working in a similar role or area of the performing arts.

They do not necessarily provide the representation, workplace advice or legal support available through a trade union, so check what each organisation offers before joining or relying on its advice.

7. Where else to get help

A trade union may not be able to provide every kind of support you need. FMTW’s directories bring together further sources of legal, financial and wellbeing support for people working across theatre and the performing arts.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Links and guidance can change. Check the date and scope of any external information before relying on it.