Creative Access x Lee & Thompson – Thrive: freelance development programme

Closing date: Sunday 12 July 2026 at 11.59pm

Duration: 12 months

Programme start date: September 2026

Are you a freelancer looking to access professional development and thrive in your career? Unlock your potential through mentorship, leadership training, and networking opportunities in this exciting programme.

Creative Access and Lee & Thompson  are working together on a 3-year programme specifically focused on addressing the barriers to progression often faced by mid to senior level individuals working in the creative industries from under-represented groups. Lee & Thompson is one of the UK’s leading law firms for the media, technology and creative industries, and has worked with clients at the forefront of the creative industries for over 40 years.

About the programme

The Thrive: development programme is an outstanding programme of leadership training, networking and support for individuals at mid-level career stage working in the creative industries. The year-long programme will commence in September 2026 and includes workshops on:  

• Developing leadership skills
• The power of self-belief
• How to build a successful & long-lasting freelance career
• Financial literacy 

Lee & Thompson will also support participants through a programme of training and networking events, including an exclusive industry insights panel discussion. Throughout the year, participants will have access to a free legal advice hotline, providing informal guidance on legal matters. This service does not create a solicitor-client relationship; participants who require formal legal advice or ongoing support may choose to instruct Lee & Thompson directly under a separate engagement and fee arrangement.

Participants will also be mentored by a senior industry professional for 6 months, attend networking events and bespoke masterclasses, plus receive free or discounted tickets for cultural events.  

Participants can expect to increase influence; develop a leadership mindset; have increased confidence to advocate for equal access to training, pay rises and promotions; build contacts and working relationships across sectors; and take strides to achieve career objectives. 

This programme is designed for those who:

• Have a few years of experience (c.3-8 years) working in the creative industries, and are currently freelancing
• Have had some experience of coordinating or managing projects
• Are interested in developing new skills to help progress their career
• Want to connect with a group of like-minded individuals with similar goals
• Identify as being from an under-represented group in the creative industries. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as Black, Asian, or from other ethnically diverse backgrounds, or people of any ethnicity who belong to the following under-represented groups: deaf, disabled or neurodivergent talent, people with the characteristic of gender reassignment, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, carers and asylum seekers.

 To apply

• Log in to your Creative Access account or register today to apply for this opportunity
• After clicking the 'Apply' button, you will be directed to the application form
• Please answer the questions and upload your CV
• Once you have completed and submitted the form, you can no longer amend your application, so proof-read carefully
• Please email any queries about this role to Creative Access at this address: recruit@creativeaccess.org.uk