1. Scope and purpose
This Community Access & Education Policy applies to programmes, visits, placements, and outreach activities linked to HEADTURNED vertical farming and associated food-system facilities. It covers work with schools, colleges, universities, community groups, and individuals seeking learning or career pathways.
The purpose is to ensure that our farming infrastructure supports fair access to knowledge, skills, and sustainable food—not just production for its own sake.
2. Educational visits and learning programmes
We welcome educational visits and structured learning activities that help people understand how controlled-environment agriculture works, why it matters for climate and biodiversity, and how it connects to sanctuary, conservation, and community life.
Programmes are designed with clear learning outcomes and age-appropriate content. Where children, young people, or adults at risk are involved, all activities follow our Safeguarding Policy, including appropriate supervision, consent, and risk assessment.
3. Pathways into skills and careers
Vertical farming and associated systems will be used as a living classroom for skills development, including engineering, plant science, data and automation, logistics, and operations.
Where possible, we will create structured opportunities—such as internships, apprenticeships, placements, and project-based learning—linked to our wider Learning & Careers pathways. These opportunities are offered fairly and transparently, with clear expectations and support.
4. Access to sustainable food and community benefit
Where vertical farming generates surplus or dedicated community output, we aim to support local access to fresh, sustainable produce—particularly for communities facing barriers to healthy food.
Mechanisms may include partnerships with community kitchens, social supermarkets, schools, or local charities, as well as pricing or distribution models that reflect social impact goals as well as financial sustainability.
5. Inclusion, diversity & accessibility
We aim to make learning and engagement opportunities linked to our farming work accessible to people from a wide range of backgrounds, recognising structural barriers that some groups may face.
Where practical, we will:
- offer a mix of on-site and digital learning options;
- consider travel, timing, and access needs when planning activities; and
- work with partner organisations who can help us reach underrepresented or marginalised communities.
6. Health, safety & site integrity
Community and educational access must be balanced with the need to protect biosecurity, food safety, and the integrity of our systems. Visits and programmes are planned around clear safety rules, including controlled access to production areas, PPE requirements where applicable, and supervision ratios.
Risk assessments are carried out for activities that take place in or near operational growing areas, and adjustments are made where necessary to protect people, crops, and infrastructure.
7. Partnerships and co-designed programmes
We work with education providers, community organisations, and other partners to co-design programmes that meet real needs and align with the Foundation's mission. Collaboration is based on mutual respect, clear roles, and shared expectations.
Where partners are closely involved in delivering activities on our sites, we expect them to engage with relevant Foundation policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, and environmental sustainability.
8. Review, feedback & continuous improvement
This Policy will be reviewed periodically, and as our vertical farming and learning programmes evolve. Updates will be reflected on this page.
Feedback from participants, partners, and community stakeholders is actively encouraged and helps shape future activities. Concerns or complaints can be raised through our usual contact routes or, where appropriate, under the Foundation's Complaints & Feedback Policy.