The 2014/15 Professional Manager Development Scheme will bring selected managers together for ten sessions through to June 2015, each time for an evening discussion with visiting speakers followed by a day of management training. Completing the comprehensive programme will lead to an Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Certificate in First Line Management (Level 5).

The scheme is aimed at managers from all agricultural sectors who want to become more effective and efficient in their role. They must also be in a position to make changes to improve the business.

Tess Howe, project manager for industry skills development at AHDB, has based the programme on the successful professional management scheme she previously introduced for the pig industry, while working for AHDB’s pig division (BPEX).

“This scheme has been designed to challenge and develop the skills base of managers to meet the needs of our industry. The impact the pig industry scheme has had on participants has been amazing, both professionally and personally,” said Tess.

Andrew Palmer, of Dent Ltd, who went through the BPEX programme, believed the scheme was just what the industry needed – “a course that looks at people skills and team management.”

Andrew also reported “major improvements on farm, from staff motivation to better conception rates and reduced piglet mortalities.”

Tess added: “The scheme is also all about improving understanding and promoting communication within and across sectors, while raising the level of professionalism in the industry – all strong themes from the recently launched, AHDB-led AgriSkills Strategy,” she added.

AHDB levy payers will be eligible for a substantial discount to attend the course which will cost them only £700, including registration, tutor and hotel fees. Non levy payers can apply but will be subject to the full £3,500 cost of attending the course should they be successful in gaining a place. Participants, who will have to have the full support of their employer, will need to have demonstrated to the interviewing panel that they are already operating in a role with change management responsibilities.

• Closing date for applications is 10 January 2014 (interviews will be held in Peterborough, on 20 January).
• For more information, contact Tess Howe on 07779 321078 or email [email protected]