Model Support
British Fashion Council Model Programme
The British Fashion Council is committed to supporting the welfare of models in the fashion industry, in line with the work of the Institute of Positive Fashion. The Model Programme Working Group was set up in 2007 as a result of the Model Health Inquiry undertaken by Baroness Kingsmill. This has led to a programme of support for the model sector. Alongside this, the BFC is committed to developing diversity in the industry. It continues to encourage businesses and brands to consider the multi-cultural environment in which we live, as well as the global market when employing models.
Visas for International Models: A Code of Practice for Models in the Fashion Industry
The BFC, British Fashion Model Agents Association and Home Office and Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport have been working together to improve the process for international models entering the UK under the Tier 5 visa system.
This work has led to the creation of a Code of Practice for Models in the fashion industry. This provides guidance to UK Visa Sponsors (model agencies) on how to bring models into the UK and ensure that they work within their sponsor’s licence. For models falling outside the four criteria in the Code of Practice, a BFC approved panel has been created to endorse models with real potential. The Code of Practice can be downloaded here.
Reporting an Issue
For working models wishing to report an issue or seek assistance please contact.
Email: models@britishfashioncouncil.com
Or call 07766083597 (during LFW only)
The Model Zone
The British Fashion Council runs The Model Zone as part of the Model Health Programme and to ensure the wellbeing of models during London Fashion Week.
The Model Zone is a private space for use by the models taking part in the catwalk shows and presentations during the event. It offers models a dedicated space to eat, drink and relax in between shows and is supported by the Mayor of London.
The Model Zone will be open for the duration of LFW, taking place from 16th-20th September, opening times are Friday-Monday 10am-6pm & Tuesday 10am-4pm. The full event details are available from model agencies.
Telephone: 07766083597 (During LFW only)
Here is a guide for new models working at London Fashion Week.
Model Agencies
The British Fashion Model Agents Association (BFMA), which is officially affiliated with the British Fashion Council, aims to protect and manage the careers of models and unite the UK modelling industry to face and tackle industry challenges and recognise legitimate model agencies which sign-up to a code of Best Practice.
There are many professional agencies in the UK - recognised as world class. Unfortunately, as with many sectors, the industry is a target of cybercrime and scams, with rogue agencies posing as legitimate model agencies. Anyone aspiring to be a model should not share any images before they have checked the credentials of the agency, met them in person and spoken to the agency’s existing models and if possible clients. Legitimate model agencies will never ask you for money upfront. If an agency does ask for a fee when you sign up with them or even at a later stage, you should be alarmed as it is not common practice for legitimate modelling agencies. For information, please visit: https://bfma.fashion/avoiding-frauds-and-scams/
Endorsed by the BFMA, The Be Well Collective are a charitable initiative in the UK who work to reduce the rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues within the fashion industry. For further information please visit their website for support, resources and helplines. Or contact The Be Well Collective directly at info@bewellcollective.co.uk.
Best Practice Guide
The Best Practice guide sets the bar for British model agencies to be leaders in the sector. Here is a link to the guide.
Get in touch models@britishfashioncouncil.com
