Agriculture is one of the least diverse industries in the UK, especially when considering race and ethnicity. In his 2021 Nuffield Farming Report, Navaratnam Partheeban OBE NSch says, “Estimates of the numbers of BPOC (Black and People of Colour) people vary between 0.8-1.2% in UK agriculture, in a country where they are estimated to make up 17% of the general population and 33% of all children.”
This presents several challenges for the industry, most notably when it comes to recruitment and relations with the wider public.
A key barrier to welcoming more diverse people is a lack of awareness and confidence among those in the industry around how to relate to and communicate with people from different backgrounds. Many want to reach out but may not know where to start or are afraid of accidentally causing offence.
To take action on this issue and begin to close these gaps, Nuffield Farming has partnered with McDonald’s, the Harper Adams University School of Sustainable Food and Farming, AHDB and the Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust to create AgDiversity.
AgDiversity is an online awareness course about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), targeted at the UK agricultural and other land-based industries. Three modules of bespoke content cover:
- What is diversity, equity and inclusion, and why is it important to British agriculture?
- The mistakes and biases we all make/have and why they matter
- How to be an ally and practice inclusion in everyday life
Upon completion, course participants will receive a certificate and have the opportunity to be included on a list of successful participants as part of the ‘AgDiversity Database’. This database will serve as a resource for individuals looking for placements or work opportunities where steps have been taken to improve awareness and understanding of DEI. Additional details will be provided at the end of the course. Including details on this list is completely optional.
The course duration is approximately 60 minutes. As you move through the course your progress will be saved, allowing you to continue from where you left.
Cost of Participation:
Individual User: £30
Group Rates:
1-25 participants - £30 each
26 - 100 participants - 5% discount
Over 100 participants - 10% discount
For group bookings an Enrolment Key will be created and payment is by invoice. Please contact Lindsay Woods, [email protected], to arrange group bookings.
To begin your DEI journey, please click the button below. Please note - you will be asked to pay or enter your enrolment key prior to starting the course.