A word from our Board: Beverly Dixon

When I think about where TIAH will be in five years, I see an energetic, agile professional institute that is tapped into agriculture and horticulture’s top UK and global innovators and at the centre of a strong network of partners.

Knowledge sharing will enable us to understand current and future labour needs and to take a forward-thinking approach to deliver accessible skills and careers advice for people in every sector.

TIAH and the professionalism it supports will be a key part of a productive, profitable, and sustainable industry.

This exciting vision resonates with me on both a personal and a professional level. I was brought up on a smallholding and have a degree in Agriculture, while my career in HR leadership roles, both in the industry and outside it, has given me a deep understanding of the value of helping people maximise their potential. 

Embedding professionalism

G’s Chairman John Shropshire OBE, who introduced me to TIAH, is a longstanding supporter of developing young people in their careers and building capacity throughout the industry. While many share John’s ethos, more can be done to embed professionalism in agriculture and horticulture. TIAH is key to making this happen.

The success of any business improvement programme depends on two essential elements: clarity of purpose and the meaningful communication of that purpose to everyone involved.

TIAH’s purpose is to support professionalism and lifelong learning in agriculture and horticulture. We'll be a hub of information and advice on job roles, training, and career routes, which can be accessed in an informal way. We'll also support employers, making it easier for them to ensure their compliance and create the right atmosphere for their people.

But our clarity of purpose also means leading by example in areas such as being member-focused; promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion; and ensuring that, as a modern, innovative organisation, we remain fleet of foot to navigate the ongoing change that characterises farming and growing. This is the first industry-wide professional institute, so we'll be an important role model.

Communication is key

Communicating TIAH’s purpose and value to partners and members may be challenging at times. We know that most people in the industry want to be the best they can be, but their time and margins are also very tight. We must show that TIAH membership will deliver real results.

Time for change

The timing of TIAH’s development allows us to use the latest digital technology and networks, enabling easy access to our services and membership network.

There's a lot to do, and given the current pace of change in agriculture and horticulture, five years does not seem very far away. But by remaining focused on professionalism and successfully bringing the industry along with our ambitions, success will be well within reach.

You can find out more about Beverly Dixon's experience and that of the rest of our non-executive directors.