Helping farming families prepare for the future, together.

Succession planning is one of the most important – and often most difficult – conversations that farming families face. Many parents worry about fairness, about making the wrong decision, or about how to step back without losing their role on the farm. Sons and daughters often feel left in the dark, unsure what the future holds.

The Succession Families Forum has been created to give farming families the time, space and guidance they need to tackle these questions in a safe, structured and supportive way. Over six months, families will move from uncertainty to having a clear, practical plan for the future of the farm.

Dates and Locations

The programme runs on a rolling intake basis. Please register your interest and we will link you into the next suitable date. 

Programme Costs

The full six-month programme costs £500 per family, payable in advance. This covers:

• One in-person launch workshop.
• Five structured online workshops (two hours each).
• Guidance from the Succession Alliance team: Matt Swain, Heather Wildman, Andy Guy and Michael Mack.
• Practical exercises, peer discussion and support materials.
• A completed, tailored succession plan for your family by the end of the programme.

The Launch Day – What Will Be Covered

During the workshop we take families step by step through the issues that most often cause delay or conflict:

• Setting a clear 10-year vision for the farm.
• Understanding different options for ownership, management and income.
• How to balance fairness with equality when several children are involved.
• Risks that need to be planned for: ill-health, retirement, divorce, death or debt.
• What professional advice (legal, financial, tax) you will need, and when to bring it in.
• Practical tools for running family meetings and capturing decisions clearly.

The Five Online Sessions

Each online workshop lasts two hours and builds on the progress you make at the launch day.

1. From vision to scenarios – turning ideas into real, workable options.
2. People and roles – who will take on what, and how to prepare them.
3. Money and fairness – income, housing, retirement, and how to treat siblings fairly.
4. Governance and communication – how to run family meetings and avoid conflict.
5. Implementation roadmap – creating a clear, step-by-step plan and next actions.

Programme Objectives

By the end of the six months, your family will:

• Have a clear picture of what the farm should look like in 10 years.
• Understand the different options available and which are realistic.
• Know how roles and responsibilities can be handed on smoothly.
• Be clearer on how to balance fairness between farming and non-farming children.
• Have a practical, time-bound plan for making changes.

What You Will Gain

• A written succession plan template completed for your family.
• Guidance notes, checklists and exercises to use in future meetings.
• A clear understanding of what legal and financial advice you need.
• Confidence that you are not alone – many families face the same challenges.

Working Together – and Respecting Boundaries

This programme is about families working together. The most progress happens when everyone has the chance to speak and be heard. However, you remain in control of what you share. If there are matters you do not feel comfortable raising in front of the family, that is respected. Facilitators are available to discuss sensitive concerns privately, and will help you decide the best way to move forward.

Enquiries and Next Steps

If you are interested, the first step is to register your details. One of our team will then call you personally. We will talk through how the programme works, hear about your farm’s situation, and check that it is the right fit for your family. Only once that conversation has taken place will we confirm your place and discuss payment. There is no commitment until you have spoken with us directly.

Take the first step towards clarity, confidence and peace of mind for your family’s future.