Why leadership matters for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in the food movement

Sustain's collaborative racial justice work with Eating Better over the past three years has consistently highlighted leadership capability, confidence and accountability as barriers to progress in creating a more diverse, equitable and justice-centred food and farming sector. We particularly heard from racialised colleagues across the movement that progress can be slow and uncertain, without meaningful reflections on power, positionality and accountability.

This insight led us to co-develop the first JEDI (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion) Leadership Programme for the food and farming movement, funded by Farming the Future and facilitated by New Ways.

Twelve senior leaders from across food, farming, public health and environmental organisations were invited to participate in a six-month leadership journey combining in-person workshops, online leadership sessions, individual coaching and an accountability buddy model. The programme focused on leadership practice, power, culture, accountability and organisational change, positioning JEDI as a leadership responsibility rather than a compliance exercise.

One of the strongest findings of the programme was that relationships are valuable movement infrastructure when it comes to meaningfully progressing justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. We know that the food and farming movement is rich with expertise, commitment and ambition. Yet leaders often have few opportunities to discuss difficult questions about power, inclusion and organisational change with peers facing similar challenges. By creating and holding space that enabled trusted relationships to flourish, and honest conversations to be had, leaders highlighted the value of being able to move through this work collectively.

An evaluation report, based on programme surveys with leaders and accountability buddies - trusted colleagues nominated to provide informal support and accountability - plus programme content and reflections from the programme team of Sareta Puri from Sustain, Idman Abdurahaman from Eating Better and Letesia Gibson of New Ways, shares the key findings and recommendations from the programme.

Although this was the first iteration of the JEDI Leadership Programme, the ambition extends far beyond a single cohort. The demand, engagement and outcomes demonstrated throughout the programme point to a significant opportunity for further investment and expansion. Eating Better and Sustain remain committed to building leadership capacity across the movement and welcome collaboration with partners and funders who share the vision of embedding justice, equity, diversity and inclusion at the heart of food system change.

Download the JEDI Leadership Programme report.