Throughout the year, the Rory Peck Trust holds events on the topics and issues that matter most to freelance journalists – from safety clinics and first aid training to webinars on mental health and practical sessions on the business of freelancing.
Join us in person in London for a new series of events specially for freelance journalists at the Frontline Club, the gathering place for journalists, photographers and other like-minded people interested in international affairs.
Surviving as a Freelance Journalist will equip you with valuable skills and knowledge to plan safe assignments and manage the business of freelancing.
Events will include practical workshops and panel discussions with leading experts, as well as networking opportunities.
Upcoming Events
Who’s got your back? Essential Insurance Tips for Freelancers
Date: Wednesday 27th September, doors open at 6.30pm
Place: The Frontline Club, 13 Norfolk Place, London W2 1QJ
Do you know what the plan is if the worst happens while on assignment? Insurance is a much-misunderstood, complex issue of paramount importance to freelance journalists. Join us to hear what every freelancer needs to know about insurance and who harbours the risks when you report from the frontline or other hostile environments. Our panel of esteemed insurance specialists in the fields of journalism and high-risk media will guide you on the critical questions you should be asking your commissioner before you go on assignment.
Panelists include:
Thea Grootenhuis, Senior Broker, CHC Global
Sam Lewis, Head of Crisis Management, Travelers Insurance
Rob Stephenson, Director of Global Assistance, SPS Global
Clothilde Redfern, Director, Rory Peck Trust
The panel discussion will be followed by networking drinks.
Tickets are £15, or £5 for freelance journalists – and include a drink after the discussion.
First Aid Refresher for Freelancers
Date: Friday 29th September, 10am – 4pm
Place: The Frontline Club, 13 Norfolk Place, London W2 1QJ
Only 10 spaces available – register now!
Feedback from freelance journalists consistently shows that first aid is the most useful element of HEFAT training. This day-long emergency first aid refresher is aimed at journalists operating in hostile environments, away from medical infrastructure where self-help and the help of those around you is the only option. Delivered in a small group setting with a highly qualified trainer, this workshop offers a practical, hands-on approach that delivers the skills and confidence to use first aid skills in a real life situation.
Topics covered will include principles of first aid, airway management, CPR, wound management, tourniquets, ballistic awareness & injuries, blast injuries and more.
This workshop is fully funded for freelance journalists and is relevant to all experience levels. A deposit of £30 is required to reserve your place but will be fully refunded upon completion of a brief survey at the end of the day.
Please note:
- This workshop is only open to British freelance journalists or those currently based in the UK.
- You must have worked as a freelance journalist for at least one year to participate.
Questions? Please contact us.
About the trainer:
Tyrus McQueen spent 22 years in the British army and began working as a High Risk Advisor for the BBC in 2010. He wrote the original Hostile Environment Training Program for Channel 4, ITN, France 2 and the BBC. He became a freelance HRA and has since provided training and frontline services for the NYT, BBC, Tokyo Broadcasting, Australian Broadcasting, ITN and other news outlets.
Protect Yourself: Digital & Physical Safety for Women Journalists
Date: Friday 20th October, 9am – 4.30pm (TBC)
Place: The Frontline Club, 13 Norfolk Place, London W2 1QJ
Only 12 spaces available – deadline for registration is Monday 16th October
A recent survey revealed that 75% of women journalists have experienced a threat or challenge to their safety either in person or online – resulting in a fifth of them considering leaving the industry altogether. This day-long workshop for female and non-binary journalists will focus on how to deal with online harassment, trolls and the threat of doxing, as well as essential self-defence techniques to protect yourself in the field.
Led by Caroline Neil, previous Head of High Risk Security at BBC and Rebecca Whittington, Online Safety Editor at Reach Plc.
This workshop is fully funded for freelance journalists and is relevant to all experience levels. A deposit of £30 is required to reserve your place but will be fully refunded upon completion of a brief survey at the end of the day.
Please note:
- This workshop is only open to British freelance journalists or those currently based in the UK.
- You must have worked as a freelance journalist for at least one year to participate.
Questions? Please contact us.