The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust and the family of Frank Arden CBE (1915-1979) are pleased to announce the Nuffield Farming Frank Arden Leadership Award, in memory of the farming icon and his inquisitive and generous spirit.

Frank Arden CBE was the son of a tenant farmer who built a very successful grains and potato growing business in his home county of Lincolnshire, eventually expanding into poultry, dairy and units located in Scotland, Yorkshire and Oxfordshire. An early adopter of irrigation, he was well-known for his willingness to learn and generously sharing his knowledge with others. He was formally recognised for contributions with the award of his CBE for services to agriculture.

The purpose of the Award is to promote the personal development of a Nuffield Farming Scholar toward a wider leadership role within British Agriculture. The winning applicant will receive funding to take part in a course provided by the Windsor Leadership Trust. Beginning in 2021, the award will be given biennially to a recent Nuffield Farming Scholar who resides in the UK and completed their Scholarship at least three years prior to application.

The award is also supported by the Farmers Club Charitable Trust, who will work in partnership with the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust in the selection process.

2021 applications close on 31st July 2021, with selections being made by the Nuffield Farming Selection Committee and interviews for those short-listed taking place 4-6 October 2021. The chosen recipient will attend the Windsor Leadership Programme after 1st April 2022.

Meryl Ward NSch, daughter of Frank Arden, Trustee of FCCT and Director of Ermine Farms, says:

“We are delighted to sponsor this new Award in my father’s memory. Leadership training is an investment that is transformative for the individual, their business and the wider industry. If we inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, we will have achieved our ambition for this Award and created a fitting tribute to someone who valued people and always sought to make a difference.”

Mike Vacher, Director of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, adds:

“We are proud to have the family of Frank Arden behind this important award, as well as the support of the Farmers Club Charitable Trust and the Windsor Leadership Trust. Our Scholars are ideally placed to become leaders of our industry, and this award provides a them with the opportunity to further develop their skills in pursuit of the most influential and important roles.”

For more information about the Frank Arden Leadership Award, including how to apply, please contact Mike Vacher at 01460 234012 or director@nuffieldscholar.org.