About Frontline Freelance Register
The Frontline Freelance Register (FFR) is a representative body for freelancers, created and run by freelancers. It is an independent, ring-fenced entity which sits within The Frontline Club Charitable Trust.
Frontline Freelance Register Description
The Frontline Freelance Register (FFR) is a representative body for freelancers, create and run by freelancers. It is an independent, ring-fenced entity which sits within The Frontline Club Charitable Trust.
One of The Frontline Club's objectives is to support the physical and mental well-being of independent freelance journalists. The Freelance Safety Initiative, spearheaded by Vaughan Smith, was launched by the Club in 2012 and their Safety White Paper was one of the foundations of the FFR.
Simultaneously, motivated by an on-going debate within freelance circles about the status and professionalism of freelancers, a group of young, freelance journalists were beginning to organise and saw Frontline as a natural home.
The Frontline Freelance Register was born.
Developed as an independent, freelancer led initiative FFR has received unwavering financial and logistical support from the Frontline Club. The FFR has been delivered thanks to a great deal of work by Vaughan Smith, Frontline staff, Emma Beals, Aris Roussinos and Ayman Oghanna, supported by Balint Slanko alongside a wider group of volunteers who informed the process.
The register launched on 7 June 2013 with membership open to all freelance journalists working in conflict or foreign reporting. A commitment to the code of conduct is required.
The initial governing committee is comprised of Aris Roussinos, Ayman Oghanna, Balint Slanko, Emma Beals, Ed Giles and Vaughan Smith whose primary task is to ensure the integrity of the register. Within the first six months of FFR's 7 June 2013 launch registrants will vote for a new governing committee and this vote will reoccur annually.
The first six months will see the FFR building a community of freelancers and establishing a voice for them and work with journalist support organisations, industry and those with an interest in safety and security to support members and champion safety and professional practice.