Diverse Voices is a cross-sector network bringing fresh voices to the built environment and other place-related work across Greater Manchester. Launched in 2024 with kickstart sponsor Muse Places, this positive, practical initiative brings together people from front-line to executive, as learners, mentors, speakers and allies. If you’d like to involve your organisation and your team, drop us a line.
Our friendly and topical events, workshops and practice sessions:
- Offer practitioners from under-represented groups free coaching, connection and support to build profile and career opportunities.
- Build a strong network of connected experts who can move Greater Manchester from behind to ahead of the game for diversity and inclusion.
- Offer event organisers ‘mic-ready’ speakers, chairs and panelists with varied backgrounds, expertise and seniority. One goal for 2025 is to formalise our speaker bank as sister Future of London has just done.
Whatever your role, we invite you to join our network of diverse voices, celebrate our differences, learn from each other, and collectively make a lasting impact on the sector and the places we care about.
- For info – as a learner, experienced speaker, mentor, event host or sponsor – get in touch!
- For upcoming Future of GM events & field trips, see here
- For info on GM Future Leaders and GM Leaders Plus – see here.
“The network has provided invaluable opportunities to connect with other professionals in the built environment, gaining insights I wouldn’t easily have encountered. The exchange of ideas and experiences has broadened my perspective, offered fresh approaches, and further developed my leadership skills.” – Nontokozo Mnisi, Federated Hermes
“Future of GM Diverse Voices has provided a supportive and encouraging environment where I could practice public speaking without fear of judgment. This safe space allowed me to gain confidence and refine my delivery, making a significant impact on my personal and professional growth.” – Jenni Greenwood, Bruntwood SciTech
“Diverse Voices is a fantastic platform for people from under-privileged backgrounds: an opportunity to be mentored by experts, to network, and to learn and practice in real-time scenarios. It’s something I would have loved earlier in my career to build skills, network – and grow my confidence and believe I deserve my seat at the table.” – Rukhsana Anwar, Trowers & Hamlins (Mentor)
Diverse Voices Advisory Group
Diverse Voices Co-sponsor
Diverse Voices Co-sponsor
Resources:
- Diverse Voices Essentials – Chairing Tips
- Diverse Voices Essentials – Roundtables + Panels
- Diverse Voices – Speaker Showcase Guidance
- Diverse Voices – Presenting Tips
- Diverse Voices – Interviewing Essentials
- Inspiring piece on Social Mobility
Latest open-access events
In July, Jay Millard (Access Manager) will take participants for an inside look at how Aviva Studios, home of Factory International and a world-class hub for creativity and collaboration, manages to design and deliver for all kinds of accessibility needs. We’ll discover how this incredible space brings people together and champions inclusivity – the morning’s leadership topic – through its design, programming, and community engagement. Register here.
Our April Diverse Voices session brought together professionals from across GM for an interactive afternoon on building confidence and sharing ideas with conviction, combining practical presentation coaching with a supportive speaker showcase that encouraged reflection on purpose, managing nerves and practising storytelling in a safe and inclusive environment, while creating space for peer learning and meaningful connections across sectors and career stages. Read more.
Diverse Voices: (Online) Inclusive Communications: The Why and The How – February 2026.Accessibility and inclusion aren’t “someone else’s job”. Led by Lutalica Founder/Creative Director Cecilia Righini, this practical session explored how to share responsibility for making communications and events more accessible. They introduced a simple framework for thinking beyond the user to the wider ecosystem, then guided participants to apply it through real-world examples and discussion. Participants left with clear questions to use day-to-day, plus actions they can take to improve accessibility and inclusivity.
See our Events page for more.
Thanks to Diverse Voices sponsor Muse for allowing us to offer these practical and insightful sessions free of charge.
