An exceptional career opportunity has emerged at Duckyls Farm, a 100-acre care farm situated within an area of outstanding natural beauty near East Grinstead. Operated by the Diagrama Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable adults and children, the farm is seeking a permanent, full-time care farm and community instructor to join its unique and empowering environment.
A Unique Role in a Living Community
Duckyls Farm is far more than a traditional workplace; it is a vibrant, growing community where adults with learning disabilities are actively involved in shaping their surroundings. The farm provides day opportunities that focus on empowerment, shared ownership, and dignity through meaningful participation.
The new instructor role represents a rare fusion of animal care, practical farming, education, and person-centred support. The successful candidate will enable service users to take an active role in all aspects of farm life, from planting crops and caring for livestock to daily maintenance tasks and building essential life skills.
Voices Heard and Skills Honed
Keri Strugnell, care farm and community manager for Diagrama Community Services at Duckyls Farm, emphasised the farm's philosophy. "The joy of creating a farm like Duckyls is seeing the adults we support truly have a voice," she said. "They're not just visitors here; they are actively involved in planting, caring for animals, and shaping how the farm works day to day. It's about shared ownership, dignity, and the pride that comes from real work done together."
The instructor will be pivotal in providing safe, professional, and person-centred care while supporting users to develop greater independence and confidence, particularly through hands-on animal care and farm-based activities.
Core Responsibilities and Candidate Profile
The position carries significant responsibility, including overseeing livestock welfare, supporting breeding programmes, maintaining accurate records, and delivering engaging activities linked to life skills, gardening, and farm maintenance.
This role is ideally suited for an individual with farming or livestock experience who is eager to share their knowledge in a supportive setting. It is also an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about care and community who is ready to learn within a values-driven organisation, even if direct farming experience is limited.
Key Duties Include:
- Creating a safe, inclusive environment that meets all statutory and organisational standards.
- Planning and delivering engaging, skill-building activities for service users.
- Supporting individuals through strength-based assessments and personalised care planning.
- Building positive, respectful relationships rooted in mutual trust.
- Promoting effective teamwork and upholding high standards of care across the farm.
- Supporting health and safety compliance in all farm operations.
- Encouraging and facilitating learning opportunities both on and off the farm.
Essential Requirements:
- A good standard of general education.
- A full UK driving licence.
- Strong communication and IT skills.
- A QCF Level 3 Diploma in a relevant field or a willingness to work towards this qualification.
Previous experience in a similar care or farming setting and relevant qualifications in care, farming, or animal management are considered desirable assets for applicants.
Application Details
The closing date for applications is Tuesday, March 31. Diagrama Foundation notes that it reserves the right to appoint a suitable candidate before this date, so early applications are strongly encouraged. Interested candidates should send a comprehensive CV along with a covering letter to the recruitment team at hr@diagrama.org.uk.
Duckyls Farm, located in East Grinstead, West Sussex, represents a unique chance to contribute to a project where care, community, and sustainable farming intersect, creating profound benefits for all involved.
