Our judges come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring a range of skills and attributes to their role as judges.
You don’t have to be an expert…. but someone with a talent, a keen interest, a passion for learning…and a desire to share your knowledge with others. And you’ll need to work collaboratively, be a strong communicator, and able to plan your time well.
It’s rewarding, enjoyable, and you’ll meet some wonderful people along the way.
We facilitate training for judges in the following disciplines:
- Craft
- Floral Art
- Cookery
- Preserves
- Interpretation & Staging
How our training works
Training courses are led by experienced judge trainers. They combine face-to-face and e-learning, in groups of no more than 12, and last around 26 weeks. And equip you with the knowledge and skills required to become a professional judge, including:
- Projects and portfolios on key areas of your discipline – assessed by trainers.
- Practical judging skills – including shadowing qualified judges.
- Webinars and reflective journals, to share your experiences in becoming a judge.
We ensure a collaborative, supportive approach to training. The trainers we work with don’t just provide materials and leave you to it. They get to you know and offer lots of support, often through mentors.
The cost of a course varies across disciplines. Get in touch with us to find out more.
What our judges do
As a qualified judge, you’ll:
- Liaise with a Show in the run up – you might be asked to provide guidance on a draft Show schedule.
- Be well prepared – with your appropriate ‘judging kit’.
- Provide constructive, encouraging feedback to exhibitors – and find a winner!
- Report back on your experience and suggestions for making a show even better.
If you’re interested in training to become a judge, or would like to learn more, please do get in touch with us here.
“The training was so comprehensive, and I really enjoyed the mix of webinars, monthly projects and shadowing a judge. And I felt very supported by the trainers and my fellow trainees. Thank you!” (Newly-qualified cookery judge)
“By the end of the course I felt like an expert in my field….and most importantly, ready to go out judging” (Recently-qualified preserves judge)
“The monthly projects were a great way of learning. I could work at my own pace and reflect on the materials provided” (Recently-qualified cookery judge)