Encouraging an increase in Union involvement from a wider cross-section of people has been set as a Board priority for 2024.
NFU Scotland has launched a research project to explore ways in which all diversities can become more involved in its work. It will be centred around a “Diversity Discussion”, involving a series of interviews, and an online survey and roadshow which is due to commence on 8 July for one week.
Caroline Millar, who has just completed three years on NFU Scotland’s Board, is leading the project, and Next Generation Policy Advisor Lucy McGillivray will work alongside. The pair plan to undergo the roadshow together and present recommendations on how diversity and inclusion can be increased at NFU Scotland in the autumn.
Lucy said: “At NFUS we embrace diversity and inclusion, however we recognise that we could do more. That is why our Board of Directors have made diversity and inclusion a priority, to ensure NFUS is a welcoming place for all as we work to support our members. I am looking forward to supporting Caroline with the Diversity Discussion project, including getting out into the regions all over Scotland in July to hear your views.”
For the review to be successful, engagement from Union members, other organisations and the public is required. The first stage of the project was launched this week (21 May), and is open to all members of the public, regardless of their farming background. Following this, the public, members, farmers and crofters have been invited to attend Diversity Discussions at either in-person meetings planned across all nine NFUS regions or online. Here, ideas or feedback on how the Union could adapt and become more accessible, can be shared directly to Caroline and Lucy.
Caroline emphasised the importance of public engagement: “It would be great to listen to the views about diversity from as many people as possible over the coming months. The views of NFU Scotland members will be a core element, but this project reaches wider than this. We are keen to speak to people who are not NFU Scotland members and people in the wider rural economy about this important topic.”
NFU Scotland’s Diversity Discussion survey is open to anyone and currently live at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2MRFXRV. For more information on roadshow dates and locations, please visit: https://www.nfus.org.uk/policy/nfu-scotland-diversity-discussion.aspx
