How NFYFC is aiming for change after sexual assault claims

Almost four months have passed since Farmers Weekly revealed that incidents of sexual assault were taking place at young farmers’ parties, sparking a national conversation about the way young girls are treated in rural areas.

Since then, the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC), which supports 575 local clubs that host a range of events, has taken several steps to try to tackle the issue.

See also: Is there a problem with young farmer culture?

Earlier this year, prior to the publication of the story, NFYFC started work on an initiative called “YFC is for Everyone”, with the strapline “Championing wellbeing, respect and inclusion in YFC”.

The initiative was the brainchild of NFYFC chair Drew Bailey, and was focused on ensuring everyone felt they belonged to YFC, regardless of their background.  

However, the Farmers Weekly story prompted NFYFC to consolidate its existing work on inclusion, diversity, wellbeing, mental health, safeguarding, alcohol awareness, behaviour and conduct under this banner.

Survey 

As part of the initiative, which is displayed prominently on the NFYFC website, a membership survey is currently being conducted which incudes questions about how “safe” and “included” members feel in YFC.

The survey also asks a general question, with a free text answer box, on what respondents would change about YFC if they could.

Early results from the research will be published during National Young Farmers’ Week, which takes place from 7-11 October.

But some members and former members Farmers Weekly has spoken to do not believe this goes far enough, noting there is no reference at all to sexual harassment or assault specifically in NFYFC’s plans or the survey.

“I think it’s hardly likely they will seek to resolve the issues that they won’t even acknowledge,” said one source.

“Once a rigorous assessment and review is undertaken, and stronger safeguarding policies are developed, the organisation must be held accountable to ensure that meaningful action is taken and the issues are not ‘resolved’ with words alone.

“Frankly, this response by the NFYFC is a cop out and shows how challenging this issue will be to resolve.”

NFYFC response 

Responding to the criticism, NFYFC management board chair Natalie McGinn, said: “More than 23,000 young people enjoy YFC activities each week, and the welfare, safety and safeguarding of our members is always paramount. 

“We are clear any abuse or misconduct of any kind will not be tolerated and should be reported.”

She insisted that NFYFC is listening and the membership survey is providing valuable feedback.

“It includes a question around safety in YFC, which covers all aspects of feeling safe in recognition that different people will have different experiences, and we want to hear from everyone. If anyone says they have not felt safe, NFYFC has and will continue to follow up on this.”

Ms McGinn urged all YFC members to complete the survey “so positive changes can continue to be made”.

Code of conduct 

Another area NFYFC is working on is visibility of the code of conduct.

The federation has had a code of conduct for years, which members see when they register with YFC.

But most members and former members Farmers Weekly spoke to prior to publishing the article in May were unaware of the code, and did not believe it was actually being enforced.

One source said this week: “I think the security at parties should be more proactive at removing and warning people about inappropriate behaviour. 

“In my experience, they’re pretty relaxed and will only break up fights and remove seriously drunk people.”

This was a common theme among the members Farmers Weekly spoke to, with another saying party organisers – not just club officers – should be trained on how to prevent incidents of sexual harassment or assault from occurring.

“They need to show they’re proactive,” said the source.

Since the story in May was published, NFYFC has asked local clubs to make the code more visible at YFC activities and expects leaders and club advisory members to monitor conduct.

‘YFC is for Everyone’

It has also reviewed social event planning with county federations, and provided more templates on behaviour, branded with “YFC is for Everyone”.

These materials are now being signposted at many club events and include details of how to report an incident via QR codes and other methods.  

An NFYFC spokesperson said: “These will be extended beyond social spaces – and should be at every YFC activity, whether it is a social one or a competition or training activity, for example.”

The federation will be increasing its own communication around “YFC is for Everyone” and the code of conduct too.

Action group

Another key step being taken by NFYFC is the launch of a “YFC is for Everyone Action Group”.

The group met for the first time in recent weeks, following a call out to members, county officers and parents to get involved. Around 60 people came forward to say they wanted to join.

At the event, a conversation took place about the personal experiences people have had at YFC and their observations about YFC culture, as well as about what is needed to influence necessary change.

The action group members will also provide support on how NFYFC’s resources can be best disseminated to clubs and counties, knowing that many members don’t have direct contact with the national federation.

In future, NFYFC will collaborate through the group with outside organisations, including Farmers Weekly and others from the rural community, to help provide further guidance and support.

For now, one of the key actions the group has been tasked with is looking at why children and young people often don’t want to report incidents of sexual harassment or assault, as well as other issues.

Reporting sexual assault

Farmers Weekly’s investigation had revealed that young women were reluctant to report sexual assault for several reasons, including a fear of social isolation or the perpetrator/s.

Ms McGinn said: “NFYFC is working to ensure reporting is seen as the norm, affirming reports remain confidential and making the avenues to reporting more visible – in every situation.”

Already, new members’ night packs have been sent to all club officers, which talk through the code of conduct, and conversations have also been taking place with county offices about the development of a series of workshops and training.

These workshops will include discussions about how to be, and encourage others to become, “active bystanders”, who are willing to intervene when inappropriate behaviour takes place.