Nominee Summary
The King’s Foundation, established by King Charles III in 1990, is a pioneering charity dedicated to building sustainable communities where people, places and the planet thrive together. Headquartered at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, it delivers education, wellbeing programmes and regeneration projects impacting thousands each year. Its Farming and Rural Skills Centre is a hub for hands-on learning, engaging over 3,000 visitors annually with practical training in agriculture, sustainability and land-based skills. By nurturing future talent and revitalising rural knowledge, the Foundation drives lasting impact and is a truly dedicated to supporting rural communities.
The preservation of skills
At the MacRobert Farming and Rural Skills Centre, the Foundation actively identifies and preserves essential rural skills by embedding them within accessible, practical training. Working with unemployed adults and those seeking career change, the centre delivers a focused 7-week 'Introduction to Farming and Rural Skills' programme that introduces key land-based skills and routes into employment. Participants gain hands-on experience in traditional practices such as heritage dry-stone walling, alongside modern regenerative agriculture techniques. By combining heritage skills with forward-looking approaches, the centre ensures vital knowledge is not lost, while equipping a new generation with the confidence and capability to sustain and shape the future of rural industries.
Increasing awareness
The programme has significantly increased awareness of rural skills and education by engaging new and non-traditional entrants and providing clear pathways into land-based careers. Delivered across two cohorts in October 2025 and April 2026, it attracted 76 applications, demonstrating strong demand. From these, 14 participants aged 18 to 46 were selected, many motivated by career change, lifestyle change or re-employment. Participants were drawn from East, North and South Ayrshire and as far afield as Essex, with placements delivered across Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire. Outcomes have been highly positive from the first cohort in October: 75% of participants are now in employment, 100% rated their course experience 5/5, and all participants indicated they are very likely to pursue a career in agriculture. Students consistently scored individual activities between 4.9 and 5, reflecting exceptional satisfaction and engagement. Feedback highlights the programme’s impact: “I think I have found my thing” and “I can do it, also I have the knowledge and skills now.” This demonstrates its success in raising awareness, building confidence and creating a clear, effective pathway into the sector.
Ethical/environmental standards
The King’s Foundation demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical and environmental standards through the work of the MacRobert Farming and Rural Skills Centre. The programme is rooted in community engagement, working closely with local Jobcentre offices in Ayr, Kilmarnock and Cumnock to create accessible opportunities for local people seeking employment or a career change. Training is delivered in partnership with local placement providers and businesses, ensuring participants gain relevant, real-world experience while strengthening local networks and supporting rural enterprise. The programme also highlights pathways within agriculture and associated industries by showcasing connections to local agri-businesses. Sustainability is embedded throughout the curriculum, with a focus on regenerative practices, environmental stewardship and responsible land management. In addition, the Centre promotes the importance of local supply chains, encouraging the sourcing and use of high-quality, locally produced food. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also supports regional producers and strengthens the rural economy, reflecting a holistic and ethical model for skills development.
Noteworthy improvements
The Foundation’s collaborative and community-focused approach has significantly enhanced the quality and impact of its training programmes. By working closely with local Jobcentres, employers and placement providers, students benefit from high-quality, practical learning experiences that reflect the real needs of the agriculture and rural skills sector. These opportunities allow participants to build confidence, develop relevant skills and gain valuable insight into potential career pathways. Crucially, this approach also demonstrates the strength and accessibility of the support network within the rural and agricultural industries. By connecting learners directly with local businesses, mentors and industry professionals, the programme fosters a sense of belonging and encouragement, helping to break down barriers to entry. As a result, participants are better equipped to transition into employment or further training, ensuring the Foundation’s work delivers lasting, meaningful outcomes for individuals and the wider rural economy.
Overcoming Challenges
The success of the programme is underpinned by a dedicated team of staff who bring the right blend of mindset, passion and expertise to deliver high-quality learning experiences. By fostering a shared commitment to supporting new entrants into the sector, the team creates an inclusive and motivating environment where participants can thrive. Strong engagement with the local farming and rural community ensures that teaching is relevant, practical and aligned with industry needs. This collaboration enhances learning while providing authentic insight into working in agriculture. Staff also support students to secure meaningful placements, creating clear routes into employment across the sector. Equally important is the personal development of the students themselves. The programme offers the opportunity to work outdoors, spend time in and with nature, and develop practical confidence. Participants are supported to recognise their own strengths while becoming part of a close, supportive cohort. This sense of belonging, alongside skills development, helps build resilience and prepares individuals for sustainable careers in rural industries.
