AGENCY SURVEY
““Models Trust works to protect, educate and support models and model agencies, through data-driven surveys and reports.
Participation in our surveys & reports acts as an assurance of best practice in areas of mental and physical health, gender equality, social sustainability, and ethical employment.””
SUPPORTING YOU AND YOUR MODELS
Over the past 7 years, we have listened to agencies and models and heard their biggest challenges.
Our research led to the discovery that being an agent was not as simple as booking jobs for a model. And being a model was not simply looking beautiful. Both jobs were widely misunderstood and there was no real support system or hand-holding from an independent organization with no agenda.
We found many agencies wished they had better insight into the running of their business. They wanted to know what their models think about their representation, and how best to help their models.
We, therefore, developed our anonymous Agency Survey so that agencies can hear what models really think, say, want, and love about their agency and maybe highlight some of the struggles they were facing.
Once you have this aggregated data highlighting various pinch points, it is easier to digest and information becomes less personal. Solutions also seem more obvious.
These insights allow Models Trust to award those highest performing agencies with a Certification Mark for excellence.
Why should Agencies get on board?
How does a model choose which agency to sign with? What will make them stay with that agency?
It is well documented that models, unfortunately, do not speak up until it is too late. They would rather walk away from an agency than broach a topic that has been harbouring resentment.
In 2020 Models Trust conducted an independent Report Benchmarking Agencies Worldwide, where models from all over the world, were asked how they felt their agency represented them and if they felt the 40% agency fee was being well spent.
The report showed there were some amazing agencies, that gave fantastic representation to their models and the models were thrilled with the type of work, pay, services, and support they received. Other models, unfortunately, were not so lucky and were very poorly represented.
Through discussions with the agencies, we found it is a business tool that is both positive and problem-solving. It clearly shows why the agency is popular with models and where it may need improving.
But how can you demonstrate to others that your representation is second to none?
Agencies that have participated in the survey and have received the Models Trust Certification Mark and are able to prove through the voices of their own signed models, that they are ethical agencies.
The Models Trust Certification Mark can be placed on your website, to demonstrate to new models (and their families) and brands that you really care about the models on your board.
“Improving an industry doesn’t happen with solo attempts. I was thrilled to meet and begin work with Models Trust in 2020 because I knew right away that their teams are genuine, and their efforts impact the industry far and wide. Sharing responsibility for the cleanup of our fashion industry is the only way to move forward. ”
Why should I have this Mark?
The Certification Mark simply sets you apart from other agencies and when other agencies look to send their models abroad, they will feel secure that you will look after their talent as much as they do.
Knowing who to trust and being able to vet agencies around the world, quickly and effectively is very important.
Through the Agency Survey. It helps models give agencies honest and constructive feedback. Understanding your core business will help develop business growth, and it will allow other agencies to know that they can put their talent in your trusted and dedicated care.
“Nomad Management is thrilled to be Certified by Models Trust. Not only does the certification by Models Trust let potential models and their caretakers know that Nomad operates at the highest levels of ability and integrity, but the process of certification allows us to really hone in on those areas of management and agenting that might require more attention. It’s a win-win providing both helpful external promotion and internal improvement. ”
How the Agency Survey works
Models Trust provides the agency with a link to an anonymous Agency Survey
The agency sends the Agency Survey link to all its signed models
The models complete the survey and their answers are sent directly to Models Trust
Models Trust creates an Agency Survey report from the agency’s survey results. The results are benchmarked against the Report Benchmarking Agencies Worldwide of that same year.
The Agency Survey report identifies the agency’s distinctive strengths and improvement opportunities across eight categories
Models Trust awards the agency a Models Trust Certification Mark if it performs satisfactorily across all eight categories
This is an annual process that typically takes about two months to collect the data and give the report. It is a light touch and Models Trust does the heavy lifting.
“I can’t express enough how relieved and excited I am that FINALLY, a serious organisation with highly educated people has decided to make a difference for us within the Fashion industry.
I find from being a model myself during the nineties and having run a high-end modelling agency for an additional 23 years, that it has been an uphill challenge operating on an ethical international level. We are a fantastic inspirational industry, but we lack corporate charters, regulations and unions. Therefore I beg other serious management companies and clients to take advantage of the knowledge on every level that Models Trust can inspire and help us achieve. ”
“Being a Models Trust Certified agency is much needed especially when an agency such as ours is the first of it’s kind who specializes in Transgender Fashion talent. It alleviates any guesswork between models and agencies needs; ensuring a higher level of communication in a safe environment for both parties involved! ”