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NFU Scotland has brought together members from across the country as part of a new leadership initiative designed to strengthen the future voice of Scottish agriculture.
The Union’s inaugural Future Leaders Event, held in Edinburgh on Wednesday 3 June, brought together a diverse group of members identified as having the potential to play a key role in the future of both NFU Scotland and the wider industry.
The event marks the beginning of work to develop a new NFU Scotland Leadership Programme, aimed at nurturing future leaders, strengthening representation and ensuring the Union continues to reflect the breadth of people involved in modern Scottish agriculture.
The initiative follows recommendations made in NFU Scotland’s independent Diversity and Inclusion Review, which highlighted the importance of creating a stronger talent pipeline within the organisation and encouraging wider participation from across the sector. The review recommended the development of a leadership and skills programme to support future Board members and broaden representation across the Union.
Throughout the day, delegates took part in discussions on leadership, resilience and representation, alongside workshops with NFU Scotland staff, policy teams and external partners. Participants also contributed ideas that will help shape the design and delivery of the longer-term NFU Scotland Leadership Programme.
NFU Scotland was grateful for the support of Johnston Carmichael in helping deliver the event as part of a shared commitment to developing future leadership and skills across rural Scotland.
Jenn Stewart, Johnston Carmichael, said:
"The energy, enthusiasm and ambition shown by those attending the Future Leaders Event was incredibly encouraging. Across every sector, developing people, building confidence and investing in leadership skills are essential for long-term success. We’re proud to support an initiative that is helping equip the next generation of leaders with the networks, experience and confidence they need to make a positive impact across Scottish agriculture and rural businesses."
Speakers and contributors included NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon, NFU Mutual Chair Jim McLaren, Scottish Agritourism Sector Lead Caroline Millar, Next Generation Committee Chair Ben McClymont and Forth & Clyde Regional Chair Rona Nicolson.
NFU Scotland Chief Executive John Davidson said:
“The strength of NFU Scotland has always come from its people. If we want to remain a strong, influential and respected voice for Scottish agriculture, we need to continue investing in future leaders across our industry.
"The enthusiasm, insight and commitment shown by those attending the event was extremely encouraging. Bringing together people from different backgrounds, sectors, ages and experiences helps ensure NFU Scotland continues to evolve and represent the full breadth of modern Scottish agriculture.
"Leadership is not just about titles or positions. It is about people who care about the future of the industry and are willing to step forward, contribute ideas and help drive positive change.”
The event also reflects wider work underway within NFU Scotland to modernise engagement, improve accessibility and ensure more people feel confident to get more involved in the organisation. The Diversity and Inclusion Review concluded that increasing engagement across a wider range of people would strengthen NFU Scotland's lobbying voice and help ensure the organisation better reflects modern Scottish agriculture.
John Davidson added:
"This event is the first step in building a long-term leadership programme for NFU Scotland. We want more people to feel confident getting involved, developing their skills and helping shape the future direction of the Union and the wider industry.
"The ideas and feedback generated today will play an important role in designing the next phase of the programme."
Notes to editors:
- An image of John Davidson NFUS CEO, Caroline Millar, Sector Lead for Scottish Agritourism, Jenn Stewart, Business Advisory Partner, Head of Rural for Johnston Carmichael and Jim McLaren NFU Mutual Chair is attached.
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Contact Megan Williams on 07920 018619