The Benchmark exists to raise the standard of how the creative industries engage talent, and to recognise the organisations already doing it well. It is a single certification covering payment, conditions, safeguarding, inclusion and progression, built specifically for the creative sector and grounded in evidence of what works.
The five pillars
Creative work paid properly and on time, from day rates to invoices, with no reliance on unpaid labour to get in or get on.
Workloads, hours and environments that people can sustain, so good work does not come at the cost of the people making it.
Safe, respectful working cultures, with clear standards of behaviour and routes to raise concerns that are actually used.
Organisations open to talent from every background, in who is hired, who progresses, and who leads.
Routes to develop and advance, with organisations investing in the people whose creativity they rely on.
Benchmark questions
- What is The Benchmark?
The Benchmark is the first fair practice standard for the creative industries: a single certification for organisations that engage creative talent well and want to be recognised for it. It is run by Hype & Genius and covers payment, conditions, safeguarding, inclusion and progression.
- What does The Benchmark measure?
Five pillars. Payment and financial fairness, meaning creative work paid properly and on time with no reliance on unpaid labour. Working conditions and hours that people can sustain. Safeguarding and behaviour, including clear standards and routes to raise concerns. Diversity, inclusion and social mobility across hiring, progression and leadership. And progression and investment in the people whose creativity the organisation relies on.
- How is The Benchmark different from B Corp or the Living Wage?
The Benchmark learns from established models like B Corp, the Living Wage and the Good Work Standard, but is designed specifically for how the creative sector operates, including freelance and project-based work. It is grounded in research into working conditions across the creative industries and into what makes certification schemes succeed.
- How can an organisation get certified by The Benchmark?
The Benchmark is currently taking founding partners. Register interest through the Work with us page at hypeandgenius.com/work-with-us.