Continuing Professional Development at the RAU

24/07/2025

You can now find us on the main The Royal Agricultural University Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

You can also visit our dedicated webpage on the RAU website at: https://www.rau.ac.uk/courses/cpd

29/04/2024

As the final week of the 2024 programme came to an end last Friday - we can reflect on what an incredible experience the delegates had whilst in London.

They were afforded the opportunity to engage with an array of speakers including: Professor Tim Laing, Sarah Calcutt (CEO, City Harvest), Alexandra Baych and Steve Knight (), Robbie Moore MP, Tom Bradshaw (President, NFU), David Croom-Johnson and Brig. (Retd) Didi Wheeler (CE, Farmers Club) - who gave so generously of their time, sharing their expertise and professional journeys with energy, passion and humour.

Delivery sessions were interspersed with an insightful and gracious tour of the House of Lords, courtesy of the Rt Hon Lord Taylor of Holbeach CBE, and visits to and .

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank www.thefarmersclub.com and Sue Sampson once again for their faultless hospitality and support.

25/03/2024

As the second part of the programme draws to a close, we look back at an incredible week during which this year's delegates explored and debated the industry perspectives, challenges and opportunities to be found in the UK’s position and influence in Europe.

05/03/2024

Day 1 of the 2024 programme here where delegates welcomed the formidable Minette Batters who has recently stepped down as the first female NFU president, having led its members through an extraordinary six years for .

She spoke candidly of her own leadership journey, her work/life balance and her post-NFU future.

We are delighted that she agreed to come and give so generously of her time and expertise.

25/10/2023

Looking forward to welcoming our delegates next week via Zoom when this year's 72nd Worshipful Company of Farmers Advanced Course in Agricultural Management will kick off with two online sessions on 1st and 2nd November. It's an opportunity for them to "meet" each other ahead of the two week residential programme and for the Course Directors to take them through an introduction to Business Diagnostics, their Personal Development Plans and any pre-programme preparation they need to complete. Only a week to go!
RAU Alumni IAgrM John Edgar Trust National Farmers Union AHDB Farmers Weekly Farmers Guardian Farm491 RAU The Growth Hub - Cirencester

03/10/2023

31/07/2023

If you are still considering applying for the 2024 LDP programme - now is the time! Deadline for applications is 31st August, 2023.

Do you possess a strong aspiration to lead within the wider and associated industries? Would you like to become a more effective leader?

If the answer is yes, then apply today to be a part of this leading executive level policy programme for those engaged in the agricultural and land-based sector at a senior level.

For more details and to download an application form, please visit:https://bit.ly/3IV9KZ8

John Edgar Trust RAU Alumni AHDB The Farmer's Club, Whitehall Court The Farmers and Fletchers Livery Hall

21/07/2023

Our July Insight into Agriculture - Farming for Non-Farmers (Residential) drew to a close yesterday and what a week it has been. Attendees were not disappointed by this intensive four day course, combining classroom based sessions with site visits to local farms and agri-businesses. With an introduction to the cycle of the farming year, delegates were given the opportunity to see inside the lives and businesses of those working within agriculture and the wider land-based sector, and gain a sense of what that feels like in real terms.

Here's some of the feedback we have had this week:

"All areas of the course covered for people like me who only knew the bare basics - this gives me confidence now to speak, liaise with, and assist farmers. Thank you so much."

"Great speakers, great balance of sessions, great food and campus. Loved the week!"

To find out more about this course - which we deliver both online and residentially - and to see upcoming course dates, please go to: https://bit.ly/3oTWBZi

The Royal Agricultural University Cotswold Hills Wine Haileywood Sawmill Ltd Bathurst Estate Farming Woodland Trust Forestry Commission Careers

03/07/2023

Are you a business professional, with little or no previous knowledge or experience of , needing to gain an insight into the industry and/or the wider land-based sector?

This online Insight into Agriculture (Farming for Non-Farmers) course is aimed at you.

With an introduction to the cycle of the farming year, the course provides delegates with an understanding of its impact upon farmers’ lives. Combining lecture-based theory with practical examples over four mornings, you will develop and enhance your understanding of the complexities and nuances of the land-based agricultural sector - be it , , , farm diversification or a mixture. The course will expand your knowledge and add to your professional skillset whilst providing a foundation for further professional development.

Subjects covered include:

• The farming year
• Arable industry
• Livestock and husbandry
• Commercial farming
• Farm diversification
• Mechanisation and
•
• Basic Payment Scheme – issues, opportunities and post-Brexit possibilities
• “Visits” to university farms and other agricultural establishments (by remote)
• Farm business tenancies, joint venture, share and contract farming.
• Business Planning and Business Development
• Natural Capital/ Net Gain ( )
• Future of Farming

Apply now.
For more information and to book, please email Christopher Frazer at: [email protected]

Additionally, if you know of a person or organization who would/could benefit from having a better understanding of agriculture and the issues surrounding the rural sector, then please feel free to share this post.

The Royal Agricultural University AHDB National Farmers Union Farm491 RAU Royal Agricultural University Careers

22/06/2023

Interview Date now confirmed: 25 September, 2023

Expressions of interest in this IAgrM programme have grown to such an extent that as of 2024, it has been agreed that it will be delivered annually. It is the leading executive level policy programme for those engaged in the and land-based sector at a senior level.

If you are already in a management role within your business and seeking to challenge and empower your leadership and management potential, this master’s level programme will develop your understanding of policy making in the UK and Brussels, arming you with a toolkit and network for the next stage of your career trajectory within the sector.

This intensive three weeks gives you the opportunity to focus and reflect on UK Industry Leaders & Policies/EU and International Affairs/Management & Communication Skills/Personal Development.

If you would like to know more please go to: https://bit.ly/3IV9KZ8

RAU Alumni John Edgar Trust Farm491 RAU The Farmer's Club, Whitehall Court

14/06/2023

Last two places now filled! If you are interested in applying, further courses, both residential and online, are planned for the Autumn.

For more information and expressions of interest, please email Christopher Frazer at [email protected]

This 3 day residential training course is aimed at business professionals with little or no previous knowledge or experience of farming and forestry, wishing to gain an insight.

The aim is to provide professionals with an understanding of the fundamentals of the land-based element of the industry focusing specifically on the disciplines of , (including ) and , and (which will include Natural Capital).

Delegates will develop and enhance their individual knowledge and understanding of the sector through a blended instructional approach delivered by academic experts and practitioners. Field based sessions are an essential part of this course, demonstrating theory in practice, and intensifying the learning experience.

The Royal Agricultural University Royal Agricultural University Careers IAgrM Farm491 RAU
John Edgar Trust Worshipful Company of Farmers The Farmers and Fletchers Livery Hall Farmers Weekly AHDB Farmers Guardian Forestry England