The IoIC Freelance Forum was formed as an online community just over 14 years ago by Steve Nichols. Today it has about 110 freelance* members and is both a useful and lively way for individuals to help each other and exchange ideas.
You can view and search the complete directory of IoIC freelancers using the link on the left.
Forum members include in-house editors, internal and external communication strategists, writers, web and print designers, writer/translators and photographers.
*We define a 'freelancer' as an individual in full time communication practice either on their own or in partnership with up to one other.
The e-mail forum
Members receive emails posted to the group every day on a wide range of topics. Some members seek help on tax and business problems, others want advice - or perhaps just need inspiration. It's a good natured and fun group to belong to - and can prove invaluable from a business point of view.
Here are just some of the topics we have discussed:
Circulation of work opportunities
We circulate requests submitted to the forum from clients and agencies who need freelance help. Members can pitch for the work competitively, should they choose to do so. These have included substantial contracts from blue chip clients, in a range of sectors - and also have led to long term client relationships. Here are some jobs we have circulated:
-
Two internal communication managers for BT
-
Project manager to work on a six month project for a major financial institution
-
Communications manager for large company based in Hampshire
-
Berkshire-based client wanting ‘sparkling intranet and employee magazine copy’
A temporary media assistant to work at a council in Yorkshire
-
Web commissioning editor and web proof readers for a large Government department
-
A major out of town retail chain three month assignment to research, write and sub company magazine material
-
Large aerospace client requiring freelancer in South of France
Other benefits
We have a searchable member directory, we encourage local networking, we offer discounted communication training, discounted admission to some IoIC events, have occasional freelance seminars and training and have run two freelance fairs in London. See the feature below to see the full list of benefits.
How to get in the Freelance Directory
IoIC freelance members are entitled to a free entry in the online Freelance Directory. Look at any entry in the directory on the IoIC website and follow the style. If you would like your picture on the entry, just send it in jpeg format, sized to 200 pixels wide. Email your details and picture to sue@ioic.org.uk heading your message ‘Freelance Directory’.
What is IoIC?
The Institute of Internal Communications (IoIC) was formed in 1949 as the British Association of Industrial Editors. It became the British Association of Communicators in Business (CiB) before ultimately becoming IoIC. It has become the UK's leading professional body for inhouse, freelance and agency staff involved in corporate, employee or other business communications. It has about 1,000 members.
Amongst many other events it annually hosts the UK's largest and most prestigious internal communications competition - the IoIC Awards.
Who is eligible to join the Freelance Forum?
All forum members must be members of IoIC. Membership offers many additional benefits over and above the Forum benefits.
As some Forum members have observed - the freelance turnover you can win through the Forum can more than offset the cost of joining and paying for IoIC membership.
While we like experienced freelancers to join the Forum, professionals with a strong track record in corporate communications but new to freelancing are also welcome. A wide range experience types and levels of seniority are represented.
To join the freelance forum, first join IoIC and then e-mail your request to join to steve@infotechcomms.co.uk.
