Agroecology Academy Development Worker

Contract Type: Subcontract for services
Estimated Time Requirement: 1 day per week (8 hours) with the potential for additional hours
Contract Duration: Until January 2028
Fee: £250 per day (inclusive of all on-costs)
Support From: Designated Steering Committee lead and wider TALC network
Reporting to: Rachel Phillips (Steering Group Representative)
Location: Remote, based in the UK with occasional travel to partner sites

About TALC

The Agroecology Learning Collective (TALC) is a UK-based network committed to transforming land-based education by strengthening the skills, knowledge and capacity needed for a regenerative, climate-resilient future. TALC brings together agroecological trainers, learning centres, demonstration farms, mentors, advisors and practitioners to collaborate, share expertise and build coherent pathways into agroecological landwork.

TALC aims to:

• Provide a central knowledge and information hub for learners, trainers and centres of learning. TALC is developing an accessible, comprehensive hub of resources, guidance, tools and shared learning materials to support high-quality agroecological education across the UK.
• Act as a recognised authority within the sector, promoting agroecology and building the case for greater investment in agroecological training. TALC advocates for the importance of agroecology in addressing climate, biodiversity and food-system challenges, and works to strengthen the policy and funding environment for training.
• Stimulate and support the development of new courses that fill gaps in current training provision. Through sector mapping, consultation and collaboration, TALC identifies unmet training needs and supports organisations to design and deliver new programmes.
• Coordinate and collaborate on strategies to enable equitable access to training. TALC works to reduce structural and practical barriers to participation, ensuring that agroecological training is more accessible to diverse learners.
• Build regional, national and international networks of trainers across different farming sectors. Taking a networked approach, TALC aims to convene training hubs and practitioner groups, strengthening collaboration and professional development across horticulture, mixed farming, agroforestry, pastoral systems and beyond.

TALC is guided by a Steering Committee composed of organisations and individuals with deep expertise in agroecology, education and land-based practice. Operating as a remote network with activities across the UK, TALC is building a collaborative, connected and forward-looking infrastructure for agroecological learning. TALC has been awarded grant funding from Esmee Fairbairn to develop the initiative. The Landworkers’ Alliance is playing the role of fiscal host for the grant period, which includes hosting contracts for TALC.

Role Overview

The Agroecology Academy Development Worker provides hands-on development and coordination support to the Agroecology Academy network.

The role focuses on working with Education Centres (regional hubs) to strengthen their ability to support subsites, develop training provision, and contribute to a consistent, high-quality learning offer across the network.

The role also contributes to the development of programmes of study, the Agroecology Apprenticeship Academy, and the evolution of TALC’s role as a potential awarding body and apprenticeship provider, working collaboratively with TALC members.