Be Your Best Self, a development programme for women in agriculture
This was delivered as a consortium in partnership with The People Portfolio, Mind & Mission and Scene & Heard.
Client Context
The Scottish Government commissioned a two‑year development programme to support women working in agriculture, recognising both the essential contribution women make and the barriers many face in confidence, visibility and personal development. The aim was to create a modern, practical learning experience grounded in evidence‑based adult‑learning theory. Across the two years, 180 women completed the programme.
The Challenge
Women in agriculture often juggle family responsibilities, seasonal pressures and long working hours, with limited opportunities for structured development. Many lacked confidence, networks, or space to reflect on their strengths. The challenge was to create a programme that was accessible, relevant, and emotionally safe — something that met women where they were and supported meaningful, sustainable growth.
Core Question
How do we deliver a modern adult‑learning programme that builds confidence, resilience and agency for women in agriculture, in a way that is practical, evidence‑based and grounded in real life?
Our Approach
We structured the programme around Kantor and Garrett’s Stages of Development, giving participants a simple, shared framework for understanding personal growth.Our learning design was shaped by Malcolm Knowles’ adult‑learning principles — practical, relevant, experience‑based and problem‑centred. Every module connected directly to women’s lived experience of farming, family life and rural work.
We incorporated reflective components from Transformational Learning Theory and Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, enabling deeper shifts in confidence and identity.
A distinctive feature was the mental‑fitness element, delivered by qualified psychotherapists using person‑centred and CBT‑informed techniques to build confidence, resilience and self‑awareness.
Programme Structure
The journey combined group learning, one‑to‑one support and fieldwork between modules:
Welcome & Pre‑Course
A group welcome call established connection and safety. Each woman received a one‑to‑one psychotherapeutic session to identify personal priorities and set boundaries.
Module 1: Realising Yourself
Focused on confidence, wellbeing, motivation and the interaction between thoughts and behaviours, supported by CBT‑informed tools.
Module 2: Showing Up
Explored imposter syndrome, change, strengths and working effectively with others using Belbin Team Roles.
Module 3: Occupying the Ground
Helped women find and use their authentic voice, build presence and increase impact in group settings.
Module 4: Affecting the Field
Introduced Communities of Practice to sustain learning, build networks and extend influence.
Post‑Programme Support
Follow‑up included a facilitated CoP session, quarterly learning letters, peer‑group social media spaces and ongoing access to programme leaders.
Recruitment, Screening and Inclusion
Recruitment combined social‑media outreach, partnership networks and a simple online application. Every applicant received a 30‑minute screening call to confirm suitability and support any early needs. Psychotherapists provided additional assessment and guidance where mental‑health concerns surfaced.
We created an inclusive environment by using varied learning formats, diverse materials, accessible venues and facilitators trained in bias and inclusive practice.
Emerging Impact
Across two years and 180 participants, women reported increased confidence, clearer understanding of their strengths, improved resilience and a stronger sense of identity within the agricultural community. Peer networks continued beyond the programme, and many participants stepped more visibly into roles within their farms, families, communities and the wider sector.
Why This Approach Works
The programme blends modern adult‑learning science with grounded facilitation and therapeutic support. It is practical, human and tailored to the realities of agricultural life — giving women the confidence and capability to progress on their own terms.