We are delighted to announce that Kate Jones from Paccombe Farm has this week passed her Silver diploma, having completed the final Land Management module. This module is particularly challenging, as candidates not only have to have in-depth knowledge of the management of their farm, but also have to give a presentation on 'The Farming Year', and show an understanding of the legal responsibilities of a farm manager, management of poisonous plants and weeds, and other key areas.
Kate is the first person to complete the Silver diploma since the 2-stage qualification was introduced, and following our 2010 National Training Award we continue to be incredibly proud of the diverse and flexible nature of the training we give our grooms, who represent the front line of donkey care.
Stage 1 of the 2-stage qualification is the first stage of our in-house Bronze Diploma which is a compulsory, donkey specific, bespoke, modular training course that all farm worker grooms undertake during their first two years of employment here at the Sanctuary.
The Silver Diploma provides more in-depth training for members of staff who stand in for the farm managers in their absence or who wish to progress within the Sanctuary to Relief Farm Manager.
On behalf of all the donkeys and staff, well done!