Factory International

Equity and Representation

A communal and welcoming space

We want you to feel at home here – respected and valued for who you are.

That’s why we do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment based on age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation — or any other aspect of who you are.

Our ambition is to reflect Manchester – its people, its stories, and its incredible talent. Everyone should have the chance to take part, create, and thrive.

We’re working to bring a wide range of voices and experiences into everything we do – from leadership and decision-making to our programmes, training, participation, volunteering, and recruitment.

Our programmes and practices are regularly reviewed, and we welcome your feedback. We’ve set clear goals across areas like artist development, recruitment, and procurement, and our Board of Trustees checks our progress every quarter.

Progress so far

How we are holding ourselves accountable and moving forward

  • In 2024, we were awarded the Silver Standard TIDE Award by ENEI (Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion).
    TIDE – Talent, Inclusion and Diversity Evaluation – is a respected framework that helps organisations measure how deeply equality, diversity, and inclusion are woven into everyday work. Achieving Silver recognises the real progress we've made — and motivates us to keep moving forward. Our 2025 submission was made in May, so watch this space for updates!
  • Our 2024–28 Equality Action Plan shapes our business priorities. Work is ongoing to connect it with our Business Plan. You can view our Community Summary here to see what we’re working on, why it matters, and how we are doing it.
  • We are guided by six staff Equity Representation and affinity groups: Diasporic Equality & Equity, Disability Representation, Gender Equality, Pride, Social Class & Mobility and Sustainability. Their voluntary members hold the organisation to account, and they provide a source of support, community and connection for those with shared lived experience and/or values.
  • We are active members of the Social Mobility Employers Index, Stonewall and Disability Confident scheme.

Our goal is simple: to make Factory International a better place to work with and visit, and a more progressive force in the wider world.

Where to find help

If you are looking for support, here are some trusted organisations based in Manchester:

  • LGBT Foundation – Practical support and wellbeing services for LGBTQIA+ communities: lgbt.foundation
  • Manchester Mind – Mental health services and resources across Greater Manchester: manchestermind.org
  • Disabled Living – Services and advice for disabled people, carers and families: disabledliving.co.uk
  • Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU) – Free advice and legal representation for people seeking asylum, refugees, and vulnerable migrants: gmiau.org
  • Manchester Refugee Support Network (MRSN) – Community support and empowerment for refugees and asylum seekers: mrsn.org.uk
  • Manchester Women’s Aid – Support and refuge for women and children affected by domestic abuse: manchesterwomensaid.org
  • MASH (Manchester Action on Street Health) – Support for women who are sex workers, helping to improve health, safety and choices: mash.org.uk

If you are a member of staff, we also have internal resources and support networks you can access – please speak to your manager, HR, or the Equity & Representation Manager if you need guidance.

Ambition statement

Read our Equity and Representation Ambition Statement →

Any Questions?

Want to learn more about our approach to equity and representation?
Have a suggestion for how we could do better?
We’d love to hear from you.
Email us at: equity@factoryinternational.org

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