Conference 2025 – ITC members show (again) where the sector gets its vibrancy and resilience
In ever more uncertain times, ITC’s 50th anniversary conference brought a day of creativity and care for the independent theatre sector.
Over one hundred and thirty ITC members of all roles, ages and art forms gathered in Soho on 17 March for conversations on the themes of “fair work, funding and the future” workshops covered creating good work, environmental sustainability, young people’s theatre, and touring.
ITC extends a huge thanks to everyone who attended and to all those who made it happen. We are particularly grateful to our board members who give their time and energy, and to Soho Theatre for hosting the event so excellently.
Our speaker Shami Chakrabarti’s remarks on using art to disagree constructively were picked up by the Stage. The paper also covered ACE’s Neil Darlison on reforming project grants.
Fair Work Approved – the new name for Ethical Manager
Announced at the conference was ITC’s plans to rename the Ethical Manager scheme.
After a run beating all but the longest-lived productions, the “Ethical Manager” label is bowing out, to be replaced by ITC’s new system: Fair Work Approved.
Fair Work Approved makes it clear that our focus is on building better workplaces. With huge quantities of new employment law coming in the next two years, now is the right time to underline the core commitment of ITC and our members.
Of course, it isn’t just a new name. Fair Work Approved will see a range of improvements for ITC members who sign up, including:
- New training and advice services
- Clearer contracts
- Robust policies, co-designed with the trade unions.
We’re Ethical Managers now – do we need to do anything?
The short answer is no. If you’re an Ethical Manager now, you’ll become Fair Work Approved by default, unless you stop using the model contracts and rates.
ITC will keep you updated about a launch event and how to make the most of the new offer in due course.
Farewell and welcome to ITC board members
With a mix of sadness and excitement, ITC says goodbye to four brilliant board members, and welcomes in their replacements.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Natalie Adams, Philippa Cross, Aisha Khan and SJ Watkinson.
And we welcome in Selina Thompson, Michelle Smith, Alice Barber and Rachel Moorhouse, who were elected at the AGM on 17 March.
