What is this review?
The primary purpose of the review is to put the NFU on a more sustainable financial footing for the medium term, ideally for the next 10 years, and continue to deliver first-class service to its members.
What is the review proposing?
We are reducing our operating costs, increasing our non-subscription income while at the same time improving our connection with our members.
We will be moving to four administrative regions in England 鈥� North, South, East and Midlands. Those regions will have a staff complement which enables us to deal more efficiently and effectively with the local issues which we know are important to our members.
When will the new structure be in place?
Closure of the regional offices is planned for the end of October 2023, but this date may be subject to change. We are working to have the new structure in place by this date, but, again, this may be subject to change.
What will happen to the current offices in the regions?
Our network of regional offices will close on 1 November 2023. These will be replaced by four operational hubs.
For the Midlands region this will be the NFU HQ at Stoneleigh; the hub for the East region will be our London office.
The location of the hubs for the North and South regions will be announced in due course.
Who will be in charge of the four new regions?
Regional directors have already been appointed for the four new regions. They are David Hall (North), Mel Squires (South), Zoe Leach (East) and Rob Newbery (Midlands). Learn more 鈥� NFU review: Meet the regional directors.
What will happen to the existing regional boards?
On 1 May we established four Transition Boards where the business of the new regions will begin to be conducted, co-chaired by the chairs of the existing regional boards. On 1 November the existing seven boards will fall away and the four new regional boards will take effect.
What will happen to the existing national sector boards?
These boards will continue to operate and will be strengthened to ensure they are at the heart of NFU policymaking. A number of cross-cutting 鈥渃ommunities鈥� will also be established which any member can join to help inform the NFU鈥檚 policy work.
What is a 鈥渃ommunity鈥� and what will they do?
Communities will aim to make it easier for more members to learn about what the NFU does on their behalf. They will also allow members to have their say on the issues of the moment. They will be virtual, web-based places where members can join discussions, input views or learn about physical meetings. The views gathered through communities will help to inform NFU policy decision-making, which will remain the responsibility of our elected NFU boards.
What will happen to the current NFU Forums, like the Uplands Forum?
These will be wound down in 2024 and their work will be incorporated into the strengthened national boards. Two new Uplands Groups will also be established in the North and South with the chairs of each sitting on the NFU鈥檚 National Livestock Board.
What will happen to NFU Policy Board?
NFU Policy Board will be replaced by a new NFU Farming, Food and Environment Board.
The role of the FFE Board will be to enable Britain鈥檚 farmers and growers to be more competitive, productive and sustainable, delivering a greater share of the UK and global food, fibre and renewable energy in ways that enhance farming鈥檚 environmental contribution.
Will members have a greater role in policymaking?
Yes. Policy making should engage and connect with more members, so that the decisions the NFU takes are well-evidenced in our members鈥� needs, concerns and wants. The review will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of policymaking with fewer, better-evidenced places for decision-making alongside a broader range of sounding boards such as the new communities.
皇家华人2023 review timeline
NFU Council agree changes
NFU Council meet to agree organisational changes brought in to put the organisation鈥檚 finances on a sounder footing and to amplify and improve connection with members.
Transition Boards
4 Transition Boards are established
The new structure starts
Closure of the regional offices is planned for the end of October 2023.
Regional offices and regional boards
Our network of regional offices will close on 1 November 2023 and the existing 7 Boards will cease.
Replaced by 4 operational hubs and with 4 new regional Boards.
Current forums
NFU Forums will be wound down and work incorporated into strengthened national boards.
Two new regional uplands groups will be established.
More on the NFU 2023 review
