The Ultimate Guide to Nuffield Farming

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NUFFIELD

Leading positive change in agriculture; inspiring passion and potential in people.

www.NuffieldScholar.org @NuffieldFarming

The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust is a charity organisation whose aim is to bring positive change in the food, farming, horticulture and rural industries through the development of its future leaders. Our life-changing Scholarships unlock individual potential through study and overseas travel, as well as develop the farming and agricultural industries through the sharing of ideas.

Our first Scholarship was awarded in 1947, supported by

prerequisite to promote the nation’s health. Since then, we

the notable industrialist and philanthropist Lord Nuffield,

have awarded Scholarships to over 1,000 individuals in the UK to

who believed that a good and plentiful food supply was a

study a topic they are passionate about.

The knowledge I gained from my Scholarship allowed me and my wife to achieve our dream of owning a dairy farm.

Rhys Williams NSch 2010

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA WHO WE LOOK FOR… The Trust seeks people with very special qualities; we are looking

willingness to learn and develop. Nuffield Farming Scholars come

for individuals with the potential to become leaders within their

from all walks of life, but ultimately share the same goal – to lead

communities, industry, businesses and beyond. A passion and

positive change in food, farming, horticulture and rural industries.

interest in their chosen study topic is also essential, as well as a

TO QUALIFY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP, APPLICANTS MUST: 4 Be aged between 22 and 45 years.

4 Work within the farming, food, horticulture, rural and associated industries (e.g. forestry, machinery, urban farming, corporate farming) or are in a position to influence these industries.

4B e established in their career and demonstrate a passion for the industry they work in. e three years post-tertiary education.

4B e a resident in the UK, hold a UK passport or be working 4B directly for UK agriculture.

MYTHBUSTING 8 There is no requirement for academic qualifications.

Scholarships are not awarded to anyone in full-time education or to further research projects.

8 Applicants do not necessarily need to hold positions of leadership, but should instead display a desire to make a difference in their industry.

8 Selection of Scholars is not influenced by applicants’ existing resources, business size, background, or network.

8 Scholars do not have to provide personal funding towards their Scholarship.

8 Applicants do not need to have a personal or professional connection to a Nuffield Farming Scholar or the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.

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APPLICATION PROCESS & SUPPORT

January

July 31st

Early September

Mid September

Early October

Late October

Late November

Applications

Applications

Shortlisting for

Mock interviews

Interviews

New Scholars

Award ceremony

open

close

interviews

with regional

announced

representatives

The application process for a Nuffield Farming Scholarship

preparation, support and feedback ahead of their official

begins with an online, short answer response form, including a

selection interview. If successful, new Scholars are officially

brief video. Throughout the application process, support and

awarded their Scholarship at the Nuffield Farming Conference

advice are available from the Nuffield Farming office and the

the same year and can begin using the post-nominal NSch.

applicant’s regional group chair. During this period, applicants

Find out more

are also invited to attend virtual open nights, recruitment events,

about applying

and drop-in advice sessions.

for a Scholarship

If shortlisted, applicants will be invited to attend a mock interview with their regional representative and local Scholars to provide

ELIGIBLE SECTORS INCLUDE

Forestry

Livestock &

Horticulture &

Arable Farming

Viticulture

Agronomy &

Business &

Communications,

Soil Sciences

Corporate

Marketing & PR

Veterinary

Land & Game

Conservation &

Management

Environment

Politics &

People, Health &

Agri-tech &

Public Sector

Well-being

Machinery

Aquaculture

Sciences

Rural Affairs

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING & SPONSORSHIP Nuffield Farming Scholarships are generously funded by Sponsors of the Trust. All Scholars receive a bursary to fund Scholarship travel and subsistence, training sessions, attending Trust conferences, report publishing and other expenses related to their Scholarship.

Leading positive change in agriculture...

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BECOMING A NUFFIELD SCHOLAR YEAR 1

Late November

Jan/Feb

March

New Scholars briefing; Receive award at Nuffield Farming Conference

Develop study plan

Pre CSC & CSC; Submit intro video

YEAR 2

Spring/ Summer Global Focus Programme (optional)

Spring

January

30th June

September

Late November

Study travel (until spring the following year)

Video training day

Submit written report and final video

Presentation training day

Present at Nuffield Farming Conference

MEMBER AND AFFILIATE NATIONS UK Netherlands Canada

Ireland USA

Poland France

Germany

Japan

Kenya Australia Zimbabwe

Brazil

New Zealand

Chile South Africa

CONTEMPORARY SCHOLARS CONFERENCE (CSC) Held in a different country every year, the CSC takes place

With a busy agenda of business briefings, personal development

over seven days and brings together all new Nuffield Scholars

sessions, industry workshops, and field trips, the CSC allows

from member and affiliate nations. Here, all Scholars begin to

Scholars to become fully immersed in the host country’s

develop the leadership qualities, skills and global understanding

agricultural industry. Scholars are also encouraged to socialise

necessary to make best use of their Scholarship – while sharing

and build networks among the global Nuffield Farming family.

the unique context of agriculture within the host nation.

Over 120 Scholars from 15 countries spent a week in Norfolk and London for the 2022 CSC. See what they got up at the Norwich Research Park...

GLOBAL FOCUS PROGRAMME (GFP) The GFP is a multi-week international study tour that facilitates an in-depth understanding of global agriculture. It offers a unique opportunity for UK Scholars to undertake extra sponsored travel as part of a small group of international Scholars. Funding for this is additional to the Scholarship, and places are limited.

Scholars benefit from exposure to a broad range of agricultural systems in very different political and social environments, whilst travelling in a close group during an intense programme. Different tours are available to choose from, with each providing unique opportunities for learning, cultural experiences and high calibre, global networking.

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THE JOURNEY AHEAD NEW SCHOLAR BRIEFING

PRE-CSC

Prior to the annual Nuffield Farming Conference, all new

The Pre-CSC takes place over four days ahead of the

Scholars come together for a briefing day allowing the cohort

Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC) and acts as a

to meet and become acquainted with the Trust. Scholars are

briefing event for new Scholars before travelling. Here, Scholars

introduced to the Nuffield Farming team, learn more about the

gain valuable insight into strategic issues in UK agriculture from

programme, and get to ask questions of previous Scholars.

industry leaders and develop useful skills ahead of their travels.

Following the briefing day, Scholars then attend their first Nuffield Farming Conference and receive their award.

Training sessions include public speaking, media training, critical analysis and debating, and video and photography training. Scholars are also briefed on Scholarship administration and travel advice, with time also set aside for socialising and networking.

MENTORSHIP

TRAINING DAYS

All Scholars are invited to accept the guidance of a Scholar

In the second year of their Scholarship, Scholars are provided

mentor during their Scholarship and beyond. Mentors provide

with specialist coaching to support the creation of their report,

a valuable sounding board to test out ideas and explore

videos and conference presentation.

opportunities but also provide a source of impartial advice, support, and an opportunity for goal setting.

SCHOLARSHIP DELIVERABLES Report

My mentor challenges me to think in different ways to ensure we make the most of this opportunity to influence change in the industry.

I already owe a great deal to her mentorship and would like to thank Nuffield for the introduction.

Helen Wyman NSch 2022

SCHOLARSHIP TRAVEL

On completion of their study tour, Scholars will submit a full written report of 5,000 words, which is edited and formally published by the Trust in hard copy as well as online.

Video Scholars are required to write and produce a 30 second introductory video and a 3 minute video summarising their study findings.

Conference Presentation The culmination of two years of challenging

Study travel is the core of Nuffield Farming Scholarships.

study and travel, Scholars have 12 minutes

Scholars are required to undertake a minimum of eight weeks

to present their findings, conclusions and

travel to countries of their choice in order to research and

recommendations at the annual Nuffield

collect information relating to their study topic. The eight weeks

Farming Conference. This is followed by questions from an

of travel does not have to be concurrent, but Scholars are

audience of Nuffield Scholar alumni, industry leaders, members

required to travel independently for at least four weeks. All travel

of the press and Nuffield supporters.

arrangements and visits are organised by the Scholar. Scholars are welcome to supplement their bursary with personal funds or additional sponsorship, but this is absolutely not a requirement and limitations on extra sponsorship do apply.

REPORT ACCREDITATION

The Master’s level accreditation programme itself was flexible with supportive course leaders. Taking this academic approach suited my

Scholars have the opportunity to gain Master’s level

study topic and ultimately made

accreditation for their study through Aberystwyth University’s

the report writing process simpler.

Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS),

Going down the accreditation

offered for an additional fee. The programme is delivered entirely

route has been a great stepping-

by distance learning, includes research methodology training

stone and has allowed me to now start working

and advice, and results in 40 Level 7 credits.

towards my Master’s.

Heidi Hall NSch 2019

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A NUFFIELD FARMING SCHOLARSHIP IS FOR LIFE Following the end of their study, Scholars are encouraged to remain part of the Nuffield Farming family and can engage through many events including industry receptions, farm tours, conferences, and more.

These opportunities come with the potential for CPD and networking, as well as provide the chance to reconnect with and give back to the Trust.

Scholars are invited to join their local regional group and relevant study groups to network with other alumni and to support potential Scholars. Groups regularly hold events including field trips, study tours, and visits to local businesses.

NUFFIELD REGIONAL GROUPS

NUFFIELD STUDY GROUPS

Arable

Beckett

Beef & Sheep

Business

Dairy

Horticultural

Pigs

Poultry

Reputation & Public Outreach

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People

Regenerative Agriculture

RECRUITING THE NEXT GENERATION encourage all alumni to become involved in recruiting and

NUFFIELD FARMING CONFERENCE

supporting the next generation of Scholars. From sharing the

The Nuffield Farming Conference is the cornerstone

benefits of a Nuffield Scholarship with personal contacts,

of the Nuffield Farming calendar. Hosted by a different

to supporting applicants and mentoring new Scholars, the

UK region each year, it sees both a cohort of Scholars

opportunities to give back and grow our influence are endless.

presenting the findings of their study, as well as a new

Our Scholars are our biggest advocates and, as such, we

group of Scholars joining the Nuffield family.

HOW TO HELP • Speak at local farmer groups and meetings • Represent Nuffield Farming at shows and events • Help support regional Nuffield Farming groups and run mock interviews

• Share more about opportunities with colleagues and personal connections

• Become a Nuffield Farming mentor (mentor training provided)

• Take up a leadership opportunity within the Trust, including running a group or serving as a Trustee.

The Conference also provides an invaluable opportunity for our alumni and supporters to come together, share ideas, catch up and enjoy themselves.

Networking and socialising are key to the two-day conference, which also features the Annual Gala Dinner and prominent guest speakers.

During the Conference we also recognise the exceptional work of our Scholars with several awards: • HSBC Silver Salver • John Stewart Shield • Steven & Gillian Bullock Award • Greener Future Award • Frank Arden Leadership Award

HOW TO SUPPORT THE TRUST ANNUAL DONATIONS

FRIENDS OF NUFFIELD FARMING

As a charitable organisation, the Trust relies on generous

Our Friends of Nuffield Farming programme offers businesses

donations from its supporters. Financial donations allow us

the opportunity to financially support the Trust’s running

to continue to provide high levels of support for our Scholars

costs. This ensures we can deliver this essential programme,

and to continue to lead positive change. We ask Scholars to

improve our offerings and use our position to continue making

continue their Nuffield Farming membership through a nominal

a difference.

annual membership fee, which in part funds the day-to-day running of the Trust.

SPONSOR A SCHOLARSHIP The continued success of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships and its many achievements are dependent upon the generous and ongoing support of our Sponsors. We are grateful to the industry bodies, associations, individuals and charities who regularly fund these awards, some of whom have supported the Trust for many years. We are always delighted to hear from those interested in sponsoring a Scholarship and supporting the work of the Trust.

Find out more about how you can support Nuffield Farming

In return for their generosity, Friends of Nuffield receive an exclusive package of supporter benefits including advertisement and promotional opportunities. We ask all our alumni to consider whether they could join the programme or if they could introduce other potential ’Friends’.

NUFFIELD FARMING LEGACY Leaving a gift in your Will can help ensure that the Nuffield Farming experience is available to future generations. If you would like to remember Nuffield Farming in your Will, there are three main types of gift you can make:

• Pecuniary Gift - is the gift of a particular sum of money.

• Specific Gift - is the gift of a specific item such as a property, a painting, a piece of jewellery or an antique.

• Residuary Gift - is the gift of all (or part) of the value of your estate after debts, liabilities and other legacies have been paid.

Leading positive change in agriculture...

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LEADING POSITIVE CHANGE IN AGRICULTURE

“I feel really fortunate to have received a Nuffield Farming Scholarship. I’ve visited amazing countries, seen exceptional businesses and made lifelong friends. Nuffield has opened my eyes and opened my mind.”

John Yeomans NSch 2006

“I set off on my Nuffield Farming Scholarship with a germ of an idea and a list of my heroes. My idea got refined, polished, smashed to pieces and rebuilt to be more resilient and better adapted to a wider world. I came home with an address book full of friends and the confidence to steer our family business against the tide.”

Neil McGowan NSch 2015

“My Nuffield findings have had an immense impact on the way we run our business, from how we run our orchards to how we market our products.”

Martin Thatcher NSch 2005

“Undertaking a Scholarship threw me out of my comfort zone, but it has given me the knowledge and confidence to thrive in my career.”

Sarah Pick NSch 2019

Nuffield Farming Scholarships and Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust… working together for the betterment Title Sponsor

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of British agriculture

Published by Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust | Registered Charity No. 1098519 | T: 01460 234012 | E: director@nuffieldscholar.org | www.NuffieldScholar.org