Freelance Contract Template UK

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This freelance contract template is designed for UK-based freelancers and contractors. It's written in plain English (no unnecessary legal jargon) while still providing solid protection for both you and your clients.

Why You Need a Contract

Working without a contract is one of the biggest mistakes freelancers make. Even if you trust your client completely, a written agreement protects both parties when memories differ or circumstances change.

A proper contract helps you:

• Get paid on time – Payment terms are legally enforceable when in writing
• Avoid scope creep – The project scope is defined, so extra work means extra pay
• Protect your intellectual property – You decide what rights transfer and when
• Handle disputes professionally – The contract provides a framework for resolution
• Exit cleanly – Termination clauses let both parties walk away fairly

Many freelancers only learn the value of contracts after a bad experience. Don't be one of them. It takes five minutes to customise this template, but it could save you thousands of pounds and months of stress.

What's Included in This Template

Our contract template covers all the essential areas for freelance work. Here's what each section addresses:

Scope of Work

The most important section of any freelance contract. This defines exactly what you're agreeing to deliver—and, equally importantly, what's not included. The template includes a clear format for listing deliverables, milestones, and deadlines.

Payment Terms

This section covers:

• Total project fee or hourly/daily rate
• Payment schedule (deposit, milestones, final payment)
• Payment deadline (typically 14-30 days)
• Late payment interest (set at a reasonable but enforceable rate)
• Expenses and how they're handled

Intellectual Property (IP)

This clarifies who owns what. The default position in UK law is that freelancers retain IP rights until they're formally transferred. Our template provides two options:

• Full transfer on payment – All rights pass to the client once paid in full
• Licence model – You retain ownership but grant the client usage rights

Choose the option that works for your situation and strike through the other.

Confidentiality

Many clients share sensitive information during projects. This clause ensures you'll keep it confidential, with sensible exceptions (information that's already public, legally required disclosure, etc.).

Termination

Projects don't always work out. The termination clause covers:

• Notice period required from either party
• Payment for work completed up to termination
• Return of materials and deliverables
• Grounds for immediate termination (non-payment, breach of contract)

Liability Limitations

This protects you from disproportionate claims. The template limits your liability to the project fee, which is standard industry practice.

Dispute Resolution

If something goes wrong, this section outlines how disputes will be handled—typically starting with negotiation before escalating to formal proceedings. The contract is governed by English and Welsh law.

How to Customise

Download the HTML template, open it in your browser, and edit the highlighted fields. Here's how to personalise it:

Fill in the Basics

Replace the placeholder text [in square brackets] with:

• Your business name and address
• Client's business name and address
• Project name and description
• Start date and end date (if applicable)

Define the Scope

Be specific about deliverables. Instead of "design a website," list exactly what's included: "Homepage design, 5 interior page layouts, mobile responsive versions, 2 rounds of revisions."

Set Your Payment Terms

Common structures include:

• 50% upfront, 50% on completion – Good for most projects
• Monthly retainer – For ongoing work
• Thirds – 33% deposit, 33% midpoint, 34% final

Choose Your IP Option

Read both IP options and delete the one that doesn't apply to your project.

Review and Save

Read through the entire contract once you've made your edits. Save a copy for your records and prepare a copy for the client.

When to Use This Contract

Use this contract for:

• Project-based work – One-off projects with defined deliverables
• Retainer agreements – Ongoing monthly arrangements
• Day rate or hourly work – Time-based billing with estimated scope

This template is suitable for most freelance services including design, development, writing, consulting, marketing, and more. For highly specialised industries (legal, medical, financial services), you may need additional clauses—consult a solicitor.

Getting Contracts Signed

A contract is only valid once both parties have agreed to it. Here are your options:

Digital Signatures

The fastest and most professional option. Services like DocuSign or HelloSign let clients sign electronically, which is fully legally binding in the UK. Many clients prefer this as it's quick and creates a clear paper trail.

Print and Sign

For clients who prefer traditional methods, print two copies. Both parties sign both copies, and each keeps one. Scan your signed copy for your digital records.

Email Agreement

In a pinch, sending the contract via email and receiving written confirmation ("I agree to the attached terms") can be sufficient. However, this is less robust than formal signatures.

Never start work before the contract is signed. It's tempting to begin while waiting for paperwork, but this weakens your position if disputes arise later.