Development & Wellbeing Case Study – Office Bearer Training
Name: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Elspeth Purdie
Club: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Lower Nithsdale
Role:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Development& Wellbeing Chair
What is the role in the Development & Wellbeing Committee?ย
The aims of the development and wellbeing committee are
Firstly, to support and promote the development of skills within our members. To ensure they are supported to undertake their roles and responsibilities within their clubs and gain new skills that will benefit them in the wider community. As chair I lead office bearer training that we provide for our clubs. This is a vital role for committee as it provides significant support for upcoming office bearers.
Secondly to support the health and wellbeing of our members and those associated with SAYFC. Whether this is through the creation of our โAre Ewe Okay?โ and โRespectโ campaigns or through promotion of wellbeing activities within clubs.
Why did you sign up to get involved?ย
I joined the Development and Wellbeing committee as, as a pharmacist I am a very compassionate person and have a passion for the wellbeing and development of others. I wanted to be a part of progressing the wellbeing support for not only members, but everyone involved in the SAYFC community, and furthering campaigns like “Are Ewe Ok?”.
During my year as club secretary, I developed an understanding of the importance of training at all levels and how this is vital for the organisation. I was very keen to be involved in helping others move forward and up-skill themselves through SAYFC and I knew that joining this committee would allow me to do that. Overall, I wanted to give back to SAYFC and help continue to move the organisation forwards
What have you gained from the role?ย
I have gained a significant amount from this role. Prior to this I had experience of being a secretary but never chaired a committee before and my confidence of being in charge was low. However, with the support of my committee and staff team my confidence has increased significantly, and we are achieving positive things.
This role has given me the opportunity to push forward and create the training and support I believe is needed for our clubs, especially those finding themselves with younger, less experienced, committees.
I have a lot of passion for teaching and developing our members and this committee has given me the opportunity to do this.
Why would you encourage others to get involved?
I would encourage members to get involved with any part of SAYFC at a national level as it allows you to have your voice and opinions heard.
In terms of development and wellbeing I would encourage members to get involved as changes can only be made if they are known about. This committee plays a vital role in ensuring the successful continuation of clubs and SAYFC. Hence if members are interested in wellbeing or training at all, I would encourage them to give it a go. When I joined this committee, never imagined I would one day chair it, you never know where you could end up!
What would you like to see next for the Development & Wellbeing Committee ?
Ongoing I would like to continue to see the progression of the training available to clubs. We have made a start this year with neurodiversity awareness, but this is only the beginning.
Iโd like to see the committee work to promote the value of office bearer training widely within SAYFC to help support the future of the organisation. I would also like to see the progression of our respect ambassadors within each club and ensure they given the right support to become a key point of support for members.
The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) extends its heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support provided by RSABI and the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust. Their invaluable contributions significantly empower the efforts of our Development & Wellbeing Committee.
