Equality Impact Assessment for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system in Tier 4 of Agricultural Reform Programme

Informal consultation on the AKIS

The informal consultation on the AKIS (November 2023-February 2024) asked a number of questions about promoting diversity and general renewal within the AKIS, encouraging new entrants and succession, what new groups might benefit from engagement through the AKIS, as well as demonstrating competence through apprenticeships. In respect of CPD, it asked about the activities that should be made available in the CPD system as well as the support needed to encourage the uptake of CPD.

The evidence gathered from key stakeholders – all organisations - noted that there was a need for a fair and equitable introduction of CPD; there needed to be accessibility for all; there needed to be recognition of the high levels of dyslexia in Scottish agriculture; neurodiversity needed to be considered and that different people learned better in different ways; that the most appropriate learning methods would vary greatly from farmer to farmer and from subject to subject; crofters of all ages and regardless of their time in crofting should have the same opportunities to share knowledge and benefit from training opportunities; there should be a wide range of delivery mechanisms available; peer-to-peer learning, particularly discussions with other farmers, were seen to be the most helpful way to gather information or upskill.

The points covered included ones that had already been made by stakeholders during the passage of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill. Indeed the Bill consideration was being undertaken at the same time as the informal consultation.

The policy for the CPD system reflects the stakeholder feedback received on all of these consultations.