The Challenge of Rural Leadership is now in its 21st year, managed by The Rural Business School at Duchy College, part of The Cornwall College Group and supported by the Worshipful Company of Farmers. David Merton, having first passed through a rigorous interview based selection process, has recently successfully completed the 2016 course.
The Challenge of Rural Leadership is aimed at providing high potential managers with the capabilities to grow and thrive in continuously changing conditions, it is a higher-managerial and strategic leadership course designed to help participants increase their influence on the rural community, both nationally and internationally, to gain a greater insight into the political, financial and environmental challenges affecting the future of rural industries.
Held at Dartington Hall near Totnes, the course was attended by international delegates, each with different interests within the rural sector from a supermarket board member, representatives from statutory organisations to farmers. Over a thirteen day period delegates were offered an intensive programme of management and leadership skills as well benefitting from the experience of notable speakers from significant organisations and government agencies.
Rural issues
The issues addressed by the course focused on the future for Rural Industries. The domination of the food supply by multi-national companies, changing consumer attitudes, increased demands for countryside access and changes to government and political representation, nationally, EU wide and internationally, are just some of the obstacles which face the industry. It is important to understand and be aware of the strategic issues likely to affect rural industry in the years ahead enabling those working within the industry to manage change efficiently and communicate to all those within and outside the agricultural community effectively.
Background
The Challenge of Rural Leadership is endorsed by the Worshipful Company of Farmers, whose origin’s stem from the Chairman’s Committee of the British Red Cross, which was set up during the Second World War to raise funds for the war effort. It was later founded as a Livery Company to perpetuate the Fund’s good intentions. The Livery Company’s close affinity with farming ensures it is closely aligned to the key issues facing the industry today.
For further information regarding the course click here or contact the Course Director, Richard Soffe on 0845 458 7485 or email leadership@duchy.ac.uk
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