From speaking to senior leaders for our 'Leading Change' report published in January 2024 the consensus was that increasing diversity was an opportunity for the land-based sector. Conversations at Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) centred around the 'Power of Diversity' and we are increasingly seeing the topic covered in the farming press. Yes, the land-based sector is behind other industries with this, but the subject has now reached the top of the agenda.
At Cultura Connect we believe that diversity (in all senses of the word) brings different, new perspectives and insights. From fresh ideas to innovation, diversity is a catalyst for change within all businesses. Achieving it across our sector will require a concerted effort.
One of the major hurdles we identified from our conversations with senior leaders is the lack of a diverse pool for recruiting – particularly for senior positions. Many organisations are not keen to look outside their sector when recruiting for the top jobs, believing that industry experience is crucial. If the right talent is not there, perhaps we should look outside of our direct industry and be as open-minded as possible.
The team at Cultura Connect is keen to encourage people looking for a career change. They may or may not have experience or knowledge of the land-based sector but bring wide-ranging transferable skills to the table. In particular, people leaving our armed forces have an enormous skillset, strong leadership skills and a work ethic that can be hugely beneficial to agricultural businesses at all levels.
As a business we have recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant to demonstrate our commitment to helping people leaving the military find suitable employment. By connecting skilled people looking for work with those needing reliable employees we are not just helping the individuals and their families, but also contributing to the bigger picture of a more diverse land-based sector.
The journey towards diversity also needs sustained efforts to promote agricultural and land-based careers to young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Initiatives that showcase land-based career paths and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders are undoubtedly having an effect. We noted in our report that Harper Adams University's statistics show a notable increase in female students, students with disabilities, and those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnicity (BAME) backgrounds. The rising numbers of students from urban and diverse backgrounds also offer hope for a more inclusive future workforce.
Individuals and organisations all play a crucial role in improving diversity and inclusion. As well as sharing our stories with young people through visits, work experience or talks is there more you can do? Would creating a graduate or apprenticeship scheme be a valuable way to secure the future talent your business needs, while also potentially reaching a more diverse pool? Perhaps you need to revise your recruitment processes to spread the net wider? If you need any advice or help with any recruitment initiatives, please don't hesitate to contact me or one of the team.
As one of our research interviewees told us: "We've got to bring in ideas from other sectors. We've got to get every bit of talent into this sector."
Embracing diversity isn't just the 'right thing to do' it's a strategic advantage that will help propel our sectors forward.
Download our Leading Change Report here
