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Do you want to work for an organisation that makes a lasting difference for farmers and the nation?
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is the biggest farming organisation in the UK. We're proud to make a difference for all our members, by shaping attitudes towards British farming and leading the charge on a range of major issues, from climate change and food standards, food shortages to rural crime.
The Agricultural Policy Graduate Programme offered by the NFU is a fantastic opportunity to develop your knowledge of the NFU, agriculture and horticulture industries and the issues facing our members, by offering you a comprehensive and purpose-built programme.
What you'll do
You will enjoy the challenge of being involved in highly topical politically charged issues that will impact the nation’s food and environmental resilience. With the diversity of issues, no day will be alike, and no policy challenge tackled in the same way.
You will work in a variety of departments on 6-month placements including policy development and delivery for Food and Farming, Land Use and Innovation and also working in Communications and External Affairs. You may also carry out regional placements throughout the 2-year programme.
This means keeping up to date with and responding to national and international developments, engaging with and advising NFU members, and putting their decisions into action.
It’s exciting, complex work, covering every area of farming and dealing with a range of stakeholders, from government ministers, civil servants and the media, to local NFU branches. The sheer variety of our work means you can be involved in a wide range of projects from initial research to policy delivery. Our collaborative approach means you’ll find plenty of opportunities to build your knowledge – it’s up to you to take them.
What you’ll bring
You will have or predicted to have a 2:1 degree or above (or equivalent qualification) and have excellent all round interpersonal skills in addition to team working, problem solving, communication and project management skills. Knowledge of the agricultural industry or a background in farming would be an advantage, but not essential.
You will be required to work in various locations throughout the UK and therefore a flexible approach to location is essential. Successful candidates will need their own transport, as public transport is not frequently available to the beautiful NFU Headquarters based in Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.
Why choose us?
Join us and you’ll find an organisation that encourages and enables you to achieve your full potential. In return you will be rewarded with a full range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance (starting at 25 days a year pro rata + Bank Holidays, rising to 30 days pro rata with length of service), plus 1 annual NFU day
- Cashplan benefit to assist with everyday costs; dental, optical, physiotherapy and a private GP service 24/7 etc.
- Option to buy and sell annual leave
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
- Performance-related pay
- Competitive Pension and Life assurance
- Access to interest-free loans for cars, bikes, season tickets and driving lessons
- Employee Assistance Program to help you deal with life’s challenges
- Discounts on new vehicles, holiday rentals, wellbeing and lifestyle and many more
- Excellent Health and Wellbeing Programme
- Flexible, friendly and supportive working environment (hybrid working)
- Attractive, modern office, with on-site restaurant and free parking
Every day, we're the voice of around 47,000 British farmers and growers who produce food, making sure their concerns are heard at the heart of government both online and locally. This means developing strong relationships with everyone from NFU colleagues to government ministers. So, as well as having a high profile in both the media and Westminster, we work with and support local members through a network of regional and county offices across England and Wales.
