THE RURAL LIST ARCHIVE 2020
The Rural List was launched in February 2019 as a face-to-face networking event in Cirencester. Covid-19 forced it online where attendance rocketed. In both formats it has met monthly, less in August and December, welcoming a guest speaker to INSPIRE AND INFORM.
Catch up by browsing the summaries below ...
Workshop: Work Experience during Resettlement - Nov 20
Fiona provided personalised advice and information to the attendees.
Due to the bespoke nature of the advice, no recording is being made available. However, we will repeat this session in the new year, so if you missed it, look out for the next one.
WARDENS AND RANGERS with Martin Newnham (ex-Army) - Head Keeper & Constable Epping Forest - May 2020
"Very interesting and honest, just what is needed" said one attendee.
Thanks to Martin for a very open and honest account of how he got into his current role of Keeper and Constable of Epping Forest. There are unique "funnies" about his role, but there are for every land-management role although I don't suppose many rural land managers have quite as many burnt-out cars to deal with!
Martin served in the regular army and then in the reserve before landing this dream job. He says no two days are the same as he includes strategic planning, policing, wide stakeholder engagement, recruiting and mentoring new staff and game management amongst his varied duties.
Martin is very willing to host resettling personnel for volunteer and work experience; if this is of interest, email info@ruralink.org.uk and we will put you in touch.
Stephen Ensell - LANDSCAPING - April 2020
With guest speaker, Stephen Ensell, Education Officer of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI).
Stephen spoke about career opportunities for landscape contractors, landscape architects, garden designers and suppliers, including necessary training and qualifications for various career pathways.
He also introduced a forthcoming Level 3 ELC-compatable course which is planned to launch in autumn 2020. Further details will be made available via the BALI website and Ruralink as they become available.
Stephen emphasised that military candidates are highly sought after in the sector and encouraged interested candidates to contact him for further details and to discuss options.
Sam Meredith (ex-Army) - Catchment Coordinator, Environment Agency - March 2020
Sam Meredith is now working as a catchment Coordinator with the Environment Agency.
Sam recounted his resettlement journey, starting with a rewarding period volunteering in southern Africa with Veterans for Wildlife in Kruger National Park and then with the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) in Gloucestershire.
His story also included honest recollections of the times when his job search stalled and how having a strong network gave him the "kick up the bum" to get a job and actually start his civilian career. As he says:
"Getting a job is easier when you have a job."
The Rural List is One Year Old - February 2020
Happy Birthday to us!
Following on from the first ever Rural Careers Insight Day during the afternoon, up to forty people enjoyed excellent food by Joe at Wildgoose washed down with a glass of Corinium Ales' Premium and listened to a truly inspiring talk by Jonny Kerr, former Army officer, 2020 Oxford Farming Conference Emerging Leader and current farm manager. His talk proved that it is wholly possible for people with drive and determination to succeed in agriculture, even without a traditional farming background.
Thanks to everyone who came along, including business contacts:
Woodchester Valley Retirement Village (a rural community seeking a new manager)
Networking - What is it and why should I? - January 2020
A very friendly group of fifteen rural networkers gathered to drink, chat and exchange best practise on business cards, elevator pitches and how to get the best out of LinkedIn. (If you missed out, a handy guide to producing an elevator pitch is available to download here.)
Thanks to Matt Sheerin of After The Military for his insights into how a recruiting agency works and to Wendy Faux for top tips on business cards and for bringing along a very welcome group of military spouses, including an off-duty insider from Recruit for Spouses; we hope you will come again soon!
