diff --git a/.github/workflows/build.yml b/.github/workflows/build.yml
index 58b35af0..122b0235 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/build.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/build.yml
@@ -17,15 +17,6 @@ env:
   GCP_ZONE: europe-west3-a
 
 jobs:
-  check_branch:
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    steps:
-      - name: Check branch
-        if: github.base_ref == 'main' && github.head_ref != 'staging'
-        run: |
-          echo "ERROR: You can only merge to main from staging."
-          exit 1
-
   create-runner:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     outputs:
@@ -40,8 +31,8 @@ jobs:
           image_project: ubuntu-os-cloud
           image_family: ubuntu-2004-lts
           machine_type: e2-highcpu-32
-          disk_size: 100
           machine_zone: ${{ env.GCP_ZONE }}
+          disk_size: 100
           ephemeral: true
 
   test-features:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/check_branch.yml b/.github/workflows/check_branch.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..950af1da
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/check_branch.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+
+name: check-branch
+on:
+  workflow_dispatch:
+  push:
+    branches:
+      - main
+    paths-ignore:
+      - "**.md"
+  pull_request:
+    branches:
+      - main
+      - staging
+    paths-ignore:
+      - "**.md"
+
+jobs:
+  check_branch:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Check branch
+        if: github.base_ref == 'main' && github.head_ref != 'staging'
+        run: |
+          echo "ERROR: You can only merge to main from staging."
+          exit 1
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/.github/workflows/fmt.yml b/.github/workflows/fmt.yml
index 7c7054f7..0b93e2b1 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/fmt.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/fmt.yml
@@ -9,18 +9,16 @@ on:
   pull_request:
     branches:
       - main
+      - staging
     paths-ignore:
       - "**.md"
 
 jobs: 
   cargo-fmt:
-    runs-on: ${{ needs.create-runner.outputs.label }}
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     steps:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
-      - name: Set HOME
-        run: echo "HOME=/home/ubuntu" >> ${GITHUB_ENV}
-
       - name: Install minimal nightly Rust
         uses: actions-rs/toolchain@v1
         with:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/try_runtime.yml b/.github/workflows/try_runtime.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..73c9627b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/try_runtime.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,70 @@
+name: try-runtime
+on:
+  workflow_dispatch:
+  push:
+    branches:
+      - main
+    paths-ignore:
+      - "**.md"
+  pull_request:
+    branches:
+      - main
+      - staging
+    paths-ignore:
+      - "**.md"
+env:
+  CARGO_TERM_COLOR: always
+  GCP_ZONE: europe-west3-b
+
+jobs:
+  create-runner:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    outputs:
+      label: ${{ steps.create-runner.outputs.label }}
+    steps:
+      - id: create-runner
+        uses: related-sciences/gce-github-runner@v0.10
+        with:
+          token: ${{ secrets.GH_SA_TOKEN }}
+          project_id: ${{ secrets.GCP_PROJECT_ID }}
+          service_account_key: ${{ secrets.GCP_SA_KEY }}
+          image_project: ubuntu-os-cloud
+          image_family: ubuntu-2004
+          machine_type: e2-highcpu-32
+          machine_zone: ${{ env.GCP_ZONE }}
+          disk_size: 100
+          ephemeral: true
+
+  try-runtime:
+    needs: create-runner
+    runs-on: ${{ needs.create-runner.outputs.label }}
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Set HOME
+        run: echo "HOME=/home/ubuntu" >> ${GITHUB_ENV}
+
+      - name: Install Rust
+        uses: actions-rs/toolchain@v1
+        with:
+          profile: default
+          toolchain: stable
+          target: wasm32-unknown-unknown
+          override: true
+
+      - name: Install Dependencies
+        run: sudo apt install protobuf-compiler clang build-essential -y
+
+      - name: Install try-runtime
+        run: cargo install --git https://github.com/paritytech/try-runtime-cli --locked
+
+      - name: Build binary with try-runtime
+        run: cargo build --features try-runtime
+
+      - name: run imbue kusama try-runtime
+        run: try-runtime --runtime ./target/debug/wbuild/imbue-kusama-runtime/imbue_kusama_runtime.wasm on-runtime-upgrade live --uri ws://34.123.139.91:9942
+
+      - name: run imbue rococo try-runtime
+        run: try-runtime --runtime ./target/debug/wbuild/imbue-kusama-runtime/imbue_kusama_runtime.wasm on-runtime-upgrade live --uri ws://35.202.116.137:9942
+
+
diff --git a/pallets/briefs/src/benchmarking.rs b/pallets/briefs/src/benchmarking.rs
index 250f1889..738e3810 100644
--- a/pallets/briefs/src/benchmarking.rs
+++ b/pallets/briefs/src/benchmarking.rs
@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@ mod benchmarks {
             brief_id,
             CurrencyId::Native,
             milestones,
+            false,
         );
         assert_last_event::<T>(Event::<T>::BriefSubmitted(caller, brief_id).into());
     }
@@ -63,7 +64,8 @@ mod benchmarks {
             initial_contribution,
             brief_id,
             CurrencyId::Native,
-            milestones
+            milestones,
+            false,
         ));
         let brief_owner: T::AccountId = brief_owners[0].clone();
         // (brief_owner, brief_id, contribution)
@@ -93,7 +95,8 @@ mod benchmarks {
             initial_contribution,
             brief_id,
             CurrencyId::Native,
-            milestones
+            milestones,
+            false,
         ));
         // (origin, brief_id)
         #[extrinsic_call]
@@ -118,7 +121,8 @@ mod benchmarks {
             initial_contribution,
             brief_id,
             CurrencyId::Native,
-            milestones
+            milestones,
+            false,
         ));
         // (origin, brief_id)
         #[extrinsic_call]
diff --git a/pallets/briefs/src/integration_tests.rs b/pallets/briefs/src/integration_tests.rs
index 02073748..798c2e55 100644
--- a/pallets/briefs/src/integration_tests.rs
+++ b/pallets/briefs/src/integration_tests.rs
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ fn create_proposal_from_brief() {
             brief_id,
             CurrencyId::Native,
             get_milestones(10),
+            false,
         );
 
         assert_ok!(BriefsMod::commence_work(
diff --git a/pallets/briefs/src/lib.rs b/pallets/briefs/src/lib.rs
index 88588a5f..0527f536 100644
--- a/pallets/briefs/src/lib.rs
+++ b/pallets/briefs/src/lib.rs
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ pub mod pallet {
     use frame_system::pallet_prelude::*;
     use orml_traits::{MultiCurrency, MultiReservableCurrency};
     use pallet_deposits::traits::DepositHandler;
+    use pallet_fellowship::traits::EnsureRole;
     use pallet_fellowship::traits::SelectJury;
     use pallet_proposals::traits::IntoProposal;
     use pallet_proposals::{Contribution, FundingPath, ProposedMilestone};
@@ -82,9 +83,12 @@ pub mod pallet {
         type MaxMilestonesPerBrief: Get<u32>;
         /// Storage deposits.
         type BriefStorageItem: Get<StorageItemOf<Self>>;
+        /// Handler for deposits.
         type DepositHandler: DepositHandler<BalanceOf<Self>, AccountIdOf<Self>>;
         /// The type that selects a list of jury members.
         type JurySelector: SelectJury<AccountIdOf<Self>>;
+        /// Type for ensuring an account is of a given fellowship role.
+        type EnsureRole: pallet_fellowship::traits::EnsureRole<AccountIdOf<Self>>;
         /// The weight info for the extrinsics.
         type WeightInfo: WeightInfoT;
     }
@@ -170,9 +174,14 @@ pub mod pallet {
             brief_id: BriefHash,
             currency_id: CurrencyId,
             milestones: BoundedProposedMilestones<T>,
+            require_fellowship: bool,
         ) -> DispatchResult {
             let who = ensure_signed(origin)?;
 
+            if require_fellowship {
+                T::EnsureRole::ensure_role(&applicant, pallet_fellowship::Role::Freelancer, None)?;
+            }
+
             ensure!(
                 Briefs::<T>::get(brief_id).is_none(),
                 Error::<T>::BriefAlreadyExists
diff --git a/pallets/briefs/src/mock.rs b/pallets/briefs/src/mock.rs
index 2d67a24b..96a84f44 100644
--- a/pallets/briefs/src/mock.rs
+++ b/pallets/briefs/src/mock.rs
@@ -18,6 +18,8 @@ use sp_runtime::{
 };
 
 use pallet_deposits::traits::DepositHandler;
+use pallet_fellowship::traits::FellowshipHandle;
+use pallet_fellowship::Role;
 use sp_std::{
     convert::{TryFrom, TryInto},
     str,
@@ -57,6 +59,7 @@ frame_support::construct_runtime!(
         BriefsMod: pallet_briefs::{Pallet, Call, Storage, Event<T>},
         Proposals: pallet_proposals::{Pallet, Call, Storage, Event<T>},
         Identity: pallet_identity::{Pallet, Call, Storage, Event<T>},
+        Fellowship: pallet_fellowship::{Pallet, Call, Storage, Event<T>},
     }
 );
 
@@ -209,6 +212,7 @@ impl pallet_briefs::Config for Test {
     type DepositHandler = MockDepositHandler;
     type WeightInfo = pallet_briefs::WeightInfo<Self>;
     type JurySelector = MockJurySelector;
+    type EnsureRole = pallet_fellowship::impls::EnsureFellowshipRole<Self>;
 }
 
 parameter_types! {
@@ -273,13 +277,36 @@ impl pallet_identity::Config for Test {
     type WeightInfo = ();
 }
 
+parameter_types! {
+    pub MaxCandidatesPerShortlist: u32 = 100;
+    pub ShortlistPeriod: BlockNumber = 100;
+    pub MembershipDeposit: Balance = 50_000_000;
+    pub SlashAccount: AccountId = 1;
+    pub DepositCurrencyId: CurrencyId = CurrencyId::Native;
+}
+
+impl pallet_fellowship::Config for Test {
+    type RuntimeEvent = RuntimeEvent;
+    type MultiCurrency = Tokens;
+    type ForceAuthority = EnsureRoot<AccountId>;
+    type MaxCandidatesPerShortlist = MaxCandidatesPerShortlist;
+    type ShortlistPeriod = ShortlistPeriod;
+    type MembershipDeposit = MembershipDeposit;
+    type DepositCurrencyId = DepositCurrencyId;
+    type SlashAccount = SlashAccount;
+    type Permissions = pallet_fellowship::impls::VetterAndFreelancerAllPermissions;
+    type WeightInfo = pallet_fellowship::weights::WeightInfo<Test>;
+}
+
 parameter_types! {
     pub const UnitWeightCost: u64 = 10;
     pub const MaxInstructions: u32 = 100;
 }
+
 pub static ALICE: AccountId = 125;
 pub static BOB: AccountId = 126;
 pub static CHARLIE: AccountId = 127;
+pub static FREELANCER: AccountId = 1270;
 pub static TREASURY: AccountId = 200;
 
 pub(crate) fn build_test_externality() -> sp_io::TestExternalities {
@@ -292,7 +319,7 @@ pub(crate) fn build_test_externality() -> sp_io::TestExternalities {
         .unwrap();
     orml_tokens::GenesisConfig::<Test> {
         balances: {
-            vec![ALICE, BOB, CHARLIE]
+            vec![ALICE, BOB, CHARLIE, FREELANCER]
                 .into_iter()
                 .map(|id| (id, CurrencyId::Native, 1000000))
                 .collect::<Vec<_>>()
@@ -303,6 +330,7 @@ pub(crate) fn build_test_externality() -> sp_io::TestExternalities {
 
     let mut ext = sp_io::TestExternalities::new(t);
     ext.execute_with(|| {
+        pallet_fellowship::Roles::<Test>::insert(&FREELANCER, (Role::Freelancer, 10));
         System::set_block_number(1);
     });
     ext
diff --git a/pallets/briefs/src/tests.rs b/pallets/briefs/src/tests.rs
index 8470dfe3..09600553 100644
--- a/pallets/briefs/src/tests.rs
+++ b/pallets/briefs/src/tests.rs
@@ -6,16 +6,53 @@ use crate::*;
 use common_types::CurrencyId;
 use frame_support::{assert_noop, assert_ok, pallet_prelude::*};
 use orml_traits::{MultiCurrency, MultiReservableCurrency};
+use pallet_fellowship::traits::EnsureRole;
 use pallet_proposals::{BoundedProposedMilestones, Projects, ProposedMilestone};
 use sp_arithmetic::per_things::Percent;
+use sp_runtime::DispatchError::BadOrigin;
 
 use std::convert::TryInto;
 
 #[test]
 fn create_brief_not_approved_applicant() {
     build_test_externality().execute_with(|| {
-        // TODO:
-        // Only accounts in the fellowship can apply for work
+        assert_noop!(
+            BriefsMod::create_brief(
+                RuntimeOrigin::signed(BOB),
+                get_brief_owners(u32::MAX),
+                ALICE,
+                100000,
+                10000,
+                gen_hash(1),
+                CurrencyId::Native,
+                get_milestones(10),
+                true,
+            ),
+            BadOrigin
+        );
+    });
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn create_brief_approved_applicant() {
+    build_test_externality().execute_with(|| {
+        assert_ok!(<Test as Config>::EnsureRole::ensure_role(
+            &FREELANCER,
+            pallet_fellowship::Role::Freelancer,
+            None
+        ));
+
+        assert_ok!(BriefsMod::create_brief(
+            RuntimeOrigin::signed(BOB),
+            get_brief_owners(10),
+            FREELANCER,
+            100000,
+            10000,
+            gen_hash(1),
+            CurrencyId::Native,
+            get_milestones(10),
+            true,
+        ));
     });
 }
 
@@ -32,6 +69,7 @@ fn create_brief_brief_owner_overflow() {
                 gen_hash(1),
                 CurrencyId::Native,
                 get_milestones(10),
+                false,
             ),
             Error::<Test>::TooManyBriefOwners
         );
@@ -50,6 +88,7 @@ fn create_brief_with_no_contribution_ok() {
             gen_hash(1),
             CurrencyId::Native,
             get_milestones(10),
+            false,
         ));
     });
 }
@@ -70,6 +109,7 @@ fn create_brief_no_contribution_and_contribute() {
             brief_id,
             CurrencyId::Native,
             get_milestones(10),
+            false,
         ));
 
         (0..5).for_each(|_| {
@@ -111,6 +151,7 @@ fn contribute_to_brief_not_brief_owner() {
             brief_id,
             CurrencyId::Native,
             get_milestones(10),
+            false,
         ));
 
         assert_noop!(
@@ -139,6 +180,7 @@ fn contribute_to_brief_more_than_total_ok() {
             brief_id,
             CurrencyId::Native,
             get_milestones(10),
+            false,
         ));
         assert_ok!(BriefsMod::contribute_to_brief(
             RuntimeOrigin::signed(BOB),
@@ -163,6 +205,7 @@ fn create_brief_already_exists() {
             brief_id,
             CurrencyId::Native,
             get_milestones(10),
+            false,
         ));
 
         assert_noop!(
@@ -175,6 +218,7 @@ fn create_brief_already_exists() {
                 brief_id,
                 CurrencyId::Native,
                 get_milestones(10),
+                false,
             ),
             Error::<Test>::BriefAlreadyExists
         );
@@ -196,6 +240,7 @@ fn only_applicant_can_start_work() {
             brief_id,
             CurrencyId::Native,
             get_milestones(10),
+            false,
         ));
 
         assert_noop!(
@@ -225,6 +270,7 @@ fn initial_contribution_and_extra_contribution_aggregates() {
             brief_id,
             CurrencyId::Native,
             get_milestones(10),
+            false,
         ));
 
         assert_ok!(BriefsMod::contribute_to_brief(
@@ -261,6 +307,7 @@ fn reserved_funds_are_transferred_to_project_kitty() {
             brief_id,
             CurrencyId::Native,
             get_milestones(10),
+            false,
         );
 
         assert_ok!(BriefsMod::commence_work(
@@ -293,6 +340,7 @@ fn cancel_brief_works() {
             brief_id,
             CurrencyId::Native,
             get_milestones(10),
+            false,
         ));
 
         assert_ok!(BriefsMod::contribute_to_brief(
@@ -359,6 +407,7 @@ fn cancel_brief_not_brief_owner() {
             brief_id,
             CurrencyId::Native,
             get_milestones(10),
+            false,
         ));
 
         assert_noop!(
diff --git a/pallets/fellowship/src/impls.rs b/pallets/fellowship/src/impls.rs
index b8b5d8fd..26637312 100644
--- a/pallets/fellowship/src/impls.rs
+++ b/pallets/fellowship/src/impls.rs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ use sp_std::{vec, vec::Vec};
 /// Ensure that a account is of a given role.
 /// Used in other pallets like an ensure origin.
 pub struct EnsureFellowshipRole<T>(T);
-impl<T: Config> EnsureRole<AccountIdOf<T>, Role> for EnsureFellowshipRole<T> {
+impl<T: Config> EnsureRole<AccountIdOf<T>> for EnsureFellowshipRole<T> {
     type Success = ();
 
     fn ensure_role(
diff --git a/pallets/fellowship/src/traits.rs b/pallets/fellowship/src/traits.rs
index de1cb52a..69b19495 100644
--- a/pallets/fellowship/src/traits.rs
+++ b/pallets/fellowship/src/traits.rs
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-use crate::Rank;
+use crate::{Rank, Role};
 use codec::{FullCodec, FullEncode};
 use frame_support::{pallet_prelude::*, weights::Weight};
 use sp_runtime::DispatchError;
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ pub trait FellowshipHandle<AccountId> {
     fn revoke_fellowship(who: &AccountId, slash_deposit: bool) -> Result<(), DispatchError>;
 }
 
-pub trait EnsureRole<AccountId, Role> {
+pub trait EnsureRole<AccountId> {
     type Success;
     fn ensure_role(
         acc: &AccountId,
diff --git a/runtime/imbue-kusama/src/lib.rs b/runtime/imbue-kusama/src/lib.rs
index 0b7e9425..29a4b1bb 100644
--- a/runtime/imbue-kusama/src/lib.rs
+++ b/runtime/imbue-kusama/src/lib.rs
@@ -868,6 +868,7 @@ impl pallet_briefs::Config for Runtime {
     type BriefStorageItem = BriefStorageItem;
     type DepositHandler = Deposits;
     type JurySelector = PointerBasedJurySelector<Runtime>;
+    type EnsureRole = pallet_fellowship::impls::EnsureFellowshipRole<Runtime>;
 }
 
 parameter_types! {