Frances Roberson describes how one of our TMAF bursaries is helping her current career and future plans.
TMAF Bursary recipient
When TMAF awarded me funding to attend the Challenge of Rural Leadership course, I knew it would be a valuable professional development opportunity. I did not realise what a lasting impact it would have on my confidence, my thinking and the way I approach both my work and leadership.
Months on, I still find myself drawing on lessons from those two unforgettable weeks at Dartington Hall.
What kind of course is it?
Challenge of Rural Leadership is far more than a training course. It is an immersive experience that encourages participants to step outside their comfort zones, challenge assumptions and engage with some of the most important questions facing agriculture and rural Britain. Through a combination of thought-provoking speakers, self-reflection and honest discussion, I was encouraged to look beyond my own experiences and consider different perspectives, ideas and approaches.
How has the TMAF bursary helped me?
The experience fundamentally changed the way I think. It gave me greater confidence in my own abilities, challenged me to think more strategically, and reinforced the importance of curiosity, collaboration and leadership. Perhaps most importantly, it encouraged me to be more ambitious about the contribution I can make, both within my own role and across the wider rural sector. I left with a renewed sense of purpose and an even stronger determination to help drive positive change.
Building a network of professional friends
What made the experience truly special, however, was the people. Being part of a group of individuals from across agricultural community and allied industries, all willing to listen, share and challenge one another, created an environment unlike any I have experienced before. I learnt as much from my fellow participants as I did from the course itself and came away with friendships and professional connections that I know will stay with me for many years to come.
None of this would have been possible without the support of TMAF. Their funding removed a barrier that would otherwise have prevented me from accessing this opportunity and demonstrated a genuine commitment to investing in people. At a time when our industry faces significant challenges and opportunities, supporting the development of future leaders has never been more important.
Why does investing in professional development matter?
One of the biggest lessons I took away from the course was the importance of continually investing in our own development. Whether through leadership programmes, academic study, technical training or other professional development opportunities, there are countless ways to broaden our horizons, challenge our thinking and develop the skills needed for the future. Some of the most rewarding experiences of my career have come from stepping outside my comfort zone and saying yes to opportunities that pushed me to learn, grow and see the world differently.
The future of our agricultural community and the wider rural economy will ultimately be shaped by the next generation. One phrase I have always tried to live by is “be the change you wish to see in the world”, and the Challenge of Rural Leadership reinforced that belief. It reminded me that if we want to influence the future, we need to be prepared to engage with it. It’s easy to feel frustrated by decisions being made around us, but real change comes when people step forward, contribute their ideas and become part of the conversation. Programmes such as Challenge of Rural Leadership help to build the confidence, skills and networks needed to do exactly that. If we want a thriving, resilient and forward-looking rural sector, we need people who are willing to challenge themselves, broaden their perspectives and play an active role in shaping its future.
Thinking about going for a training course?
I encourage any young person working in agriculture or the wider rural sector to explore opportunities available and apply for support where it exists.
Thanks to the generosity of organisations such as TMAF, what might otherwise feel out of reach can become a reality. Investing in professional development is an investment in yourself, but it is also an investment in the future of our industry. I remain incredibly grateful to TMAF and other organisations for their support and belief in me. Attending the Challenge of Rural Leadership course was a genuinely transformative experience, one that continues to influence my work today and has strengthened my determination to make a positive contribution to the future of our rural communities and industries.