How can farms help us rethink leadership, organisational culture, and the future of our institutions? In this session, two complementary approaches offer new perspectives on development and change.
Aonghus explores how biodynamic practice contains within it a structure for reimagining communities and organisations—culturally, financially, and legally. Through this lens, the farm becomes a place where human potential for community can unfold. Such evolution requires self-leadership and, over time, gives rise to new learning communities.
Tara Gratton then introduces the concept of conscious succession. Drawing on research and the practical experience of the Ruskin Mill Trust, she shares how communities and organisations can approach transition of leadership with clarity and intention. Rather than merely replacing roles, succession becomes a living process of continuity, renewal, and shared responsibility.
Aonghus Gordon is the founder and Executive Chair of Ruskin Mill Trust. Since establishing the first centre in 1983, he has developed the Trust into a network of colleges, schools, farms, and craft workshops across the United Kingdom. His work is grounded in the educational and cultural impulses of Rudolf Steiner, John Ruskin, and William Morris. Central to his contribution is the development of Practical Skills Therapeutic Education, an approach in which handwork, land-based activity, and craft become pathways for individual development and social participation. Under his leadership, biodynamic farming, heritage crafts, and artistic practice have become part of a living curriculum that supports young people who have often been excluded from mainstream education. Aonghus Gordon has received several honours for his work, including being awarded an OBE for services to cultural heritage and education. His continuing commitment lies in demonstrating how land, craft, and meaningful work can help individuals rediscover capability, confidence, and belonging.
Tara Gratton is the current CEO of Ruskin Mill Trust. She began her career in education in 1992 as a primary-school teacher, and in 2004 she stepped into her first Head Teacher role. Over the years, she has led and transformed a number of schools and educational federations — both high-performing ones and those that required strong turnaround leadership. In September 2025, she assumed the role of CEO of Ruskin Mill Trust. As part of her work with the Trust, she has overseen its growth and expansion, helping to steer a unique educational approach that integrates land-based work, crafts, and therapeutic education for young people. Tara’s leadership contributes to the Trust’s ongoing mission to create nurturing and inclusive learning environments rooted not only in traditional schooling, but also in practical skills, connection to land, and holistic development.
