Speaker Engagement Policy

ACHFN's commitments when bringing in speakers, facilitators, and community knowledge-holders for ACHFN-led events and programmes.

Scope

This policy governs the way ACHFN engages external speakers, facilitators, performers, elders, artists, and knowledge-holders for ACHFN programmes, events, and research-facing activities.

Keynote speakers and panellists
Workshop facilitators
Storytellers and cultural practitioners
Guest lecturers and trainers
Community elders and knowledge-holders
Performers, artists, and public-facing research contributors

Principles

The policy centres reciprocity, dignity, transparency, accessibility, cultural safety, and accountability in every engagement.

Fees and expenses

ACHFN states that it pays all speakers for their time and expertise, with fees negotiated case by case and a minimum fee of £100 for any engagement.

Prompt payment, typically within 14 days of invoice receipt
Travel, accommodation, subsistence, and access costs covered where agreed
No reliance on 'exposure' as compensation

Contracts and cancellation

All engagements should be confirmed in writing with a letter or contract covering format, contribution expected, payment terms, expenses, access needs, cancellation policy, and contact details.

ACHFN aims to issue engagement letters at least four weeks in advance where possible.

If ACHFN cancels 7–14 days before an engagement, 50% of the agreed fee plus expenses is due
If ACHFN cancels less than 7 days before an engagement, 100% of the agreed fee plus expenses is due
If the speaker cancels, terms are handled with flexibility and respect for illness, caring duties, and emergencies

Accessibility, ownership, and conduct

ACHFN says it will ask about physical, communication, technical, dietary, and access needs in advance and work with speakers to meet them.

Speakers retain intellectual property rights over their own content, and ACHFN seeks explicit permission before recording or reusing material.