Development & Wellbeing Case Study – Being part of the Committee

Kayleigh Turner

Name:                 Kayleigh Turner

Club:                   Echt

Role:                    Development & Wellbeing Committee Member

What does the SAYFC Development & Wellbeing Committee mean to you?
To me, the Development and Wellbeing Committee represents the heart of the organisations core values; supporting, developing and empowering young people across Scotland.  I feel it is a key part of the organisation. The committee is responsible for developing new initiatives and training opportunities for all members. Helping the next generation of rural young people, unlock their full potential.

To me, it is vital that each young person is given the right conditions to thrive, in both their personal and professional lives, and I believe that the Development and Wellbeing Committee can support this.

Why did you sign up to get involved?
I signed up for a few reasons.  I wanted to push myself. Being a very shy and quite reserved individual, I felt applying to a National Committee would be a good stepping stone, to becoming the empowered and confident individual I want to be. While aiding my own personal development, being part of this committee would contribute to making a meaningful change across the organisation.

I love a challenge. At the time of applying for my first year on the committee in 2024, I was seeking something new and exciting to take on board and learn. This committee was certainly just that.  As well as being passionate towards training opportunities, I am a strong believer in the importance of Mental Health Awareness. I enjoy discussing strategies to make training opportunities more inclusive, and a safe environment where members feel their voices are heard at all times.

What does your role involve?
As a Development and Wellbeing Committee member, I represent the North Region. As part of this role, I attend our committee meetings, inputting any ideas, while also delivering any feedback I have received from regional and club level. I also have the responsibility of promoting training and development opportunities that are being run by the committee.

We recently were set a task to make a “How To Guide” for an office bearer role of choice, I chose Club Secretary. This task is to aid upcoming office bearer training opportunities in each region that is being facilitated. Having been in the Secretary role within Echt Young Farmers for 3 years, I enjoyed making this document, putting on paper what I had learnt during my post, and thinking deeply about the things that I wish I was told as I took on the role of Club Secretary 3 years ago.

What have you gained from this role?
The list is endless! I have learned so many new skills, on both a personal and professional level.

Being on this committee has improved my confidence skills, making me speak up at meetings, opposed to sitting back. This has been portrayed in this committee, at club level, and even in my career.
My understanding of the organisation as a whole has improved vastly, through reviewing policy documents annually, to Disclosure requirements, to planning of new training opportunities.
The role has provided me with a sense of purpose. Being part of such a rewarding committee, provides me with a real sense of satisfaction. There really is a genuine sense of reward being part of a committee that provides so many development opportunities for people within the organisation.

Why would you encourage others to get involved?
I would strongly encourage anyone to join this committee because it is one of the most rewarding and impactful ways to contribute to such a fantastic organisation. Without this committee – members do not receive the same opportunities to grow.

Being a committee member is more than just attending meetings – it’s about shaping the future of the organisation, and bringing impactful ideas to the table. Whether this regards to mental health, inclusion, personal development or member safety. All is an important view in the eyes of the organisation.
At the same time as aiding the future development of members, you get to aid your own personal development. You become part of key projects, build your confidence, and connect with people across Scotland who care about the same things as you do.

This committee has given me so much over the past 19 months, and has been one of the most worthwhile application forms I have ever done!!

What would you like to see next from the Development and Wellbeing Committee?
Going forward, I would like to see this committee continue to build the strong foundation that is in place by introducing even more accessible support for members.

The website, “Thinglink” is already used as an information hub for office bearers – however I would like to see this developed further in the future, and become the resource that is utilised most across the board.
Further provision of training and development opportunities, whether this is new options, or simply building on existing opportunities. At present, courses such as Cultivating Leaders is on offer, but it would be great to have more options like this to aid professional development further.
On the topic of mental health, I would like to see more resources available for members, and to ensure that this difficult subject is discussed more openly, right down to grass-root members. Through the introduction of Respect Ambassadors at club level, I hope this starts to become an easier discussion to have, while raising awareness surrounding the subject.
Overall, I’d like to see the committee keep driving forward ideas that strengthen member wellbeing, empower personal growth, and help SAYFC continue to be a supportive, forward-thinking organisation.

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.