Survey now live

Following the RDA UK Board’s decision to research the RDA brand, our research partners, The Frameworks, have compiled an online survey, which will remain open for the next month. The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will ask for your views on RDA, our reputation, name and logo.

You can find the survey using the link here:

https://thef.net/RDAsurvey

Why are we taking this step?

For several years, throughout the whole organisation, the strength of the RDA brand has been under discussion. The milestone of our 50^th anniversary seems to have reignited the topic.

With strong feelings – and only limited anecdotal evidence – on all sides of the debate, the RDA Board has decided to carry out a research project to gather some real insight into the RDA brand for the first time.

A brand research company, The Frameworks, has been appointed to carry out this work, with a brief to explore three key questions:

1)            To what extent does our current brand hold us back from achieving our aims?

2)            To what extent does our current brand help us to achieve our aims?

3)            How significant is the RDA brand in creating a sense of belonging among the RDA community? 

The research aims to include the views of as many people with the RDA community as possible, and will involve one-to-one interviews, focus groups and and the online questionnaire.

The results of the research will be presented to the Board in June. Depending on the outcome of the research, the Board will then decide whether or not to take any further steps.

We hope that you, your participants, volunteers and supporters will want to take part in this discussion. It is important we end up with a range of views from across the whole organisation.

For more information, please see the prepared FAQs below or, if you have any further questions, please contact the office on info@rda.org.uk

FAQs

Why has the RDA Board decided to research the RDA brand?

The strength (or otherwise) of the RDA brand has been under discussion for several years within all parts of the organisation. The milestone of the 50th anniversary seems to have reignited the topic. In order to gain clarity and proper insight into this area – rather than rely on a small amount of anecdotal evidence – the board has decided to undertake this research.

What do we mean by ‘brand’?

It’s important to recognise that a ‘brand’ is more than just a logo and a name. These elements are important, of course, but so is the language we use to communicate, the values we all try to live up to and the way we behave, both with each other and with the people we serve. All of these combine to deliver a public understanding of what RDA stands for and promises, and this is what we mean by a brand.

Are you planning to change the name RDA?

The scope of the brand research is to explore three key questions:

• To what extent does our current brand hold us back from achieving our aims?
• To what extent does our current brand help us to achieve our aims?
• How significant is the RDA brand in creating a sense of belonging among the RDA community?

Only when we have answers to these questions will be in a position to contemplate changes to the name or visual identity. Nothing is off the table, but we’re a long way from making any decisions about significant changes.

Who is carrying out the research?

Following a competitive pitch process, the board has contracted The Frameworks (www.theframeworks.com) to carry out the research. The Frameworks is a specialist design consultancy with a research-focused methodology and an established track record in brand strategy.

What will it cost?

This research project will cost £20,000. We have an ongoing commitment to investing in research, to make sure that we are as effective as possible and that everything we do is based on an identified need. We are currently spending less than 2% of our total turnover on research and this project represents slightly less than half of that cost.

What will happen when the results are in?

The Frameworks will present their findings to the RDA board in June. At this point, they may also present some suggestions for next steps, but this is not within the remit of this initial project.

How can I have my say?

It is vital that we include the views of as many people as possible throughout the whole organisation. There will be some one-to-one interviews and focus groups, which you may be approached to take part in. The best way to ensure your views are counted will be through completing the online survey, which is now open.

RDA are pleased to be event partner for NAIDEX 2018  Europe’s biggest show dedicated to the care, rehabilitation and lifestyle of people with a disability or impairment.
Come and visit our stand in the Sports Arena section, have a go on our mechanical horse and learn more how you can get involved with our charity.
Register online today for your FREE TICKETS  NAIDEX 2018

We have two exciting opportunities to join the staff team at RDA National Office, please see the job adverts below for full details.

The application deadline for both roles in Wednesday 31st May.

Coaching Qualifications Coordinator

Riding for the Disabled (RDA), Warwick

Summary of Job:
We are seeking a new member of staff to play a key role in supporting RDA coaches in delivering an excellent service to our riders.

This role is an excellent opportunity for someone who prides themselves on their administrative capabilities and organisational skills, and is keen to develop these further.

The main responsibilities of the role include:

• Administering all RDA coaching courses and qualifications
• Organising and making all administrative arrangements for coaching related events
• Handling day-to-day enquiries from coaches and ensuring the coach review system is maintained.

About you:
The role is primarily office based and we are looking for someone with excellent administration skills; in an ideal world you will have coaching and/or equine knowledge.

You will need to be organised and self-motivated, being be able to manage your time effectively; providing telephone and email support to coaches and RDA groups, whilst working on a varied range of administrative tasks.

It is important that you are a confident communicator with exceptional customer service skills as you will be providing advice and guidance to our coaching workforce on a regular basis.

About Us:
RDA is a leading national charity, dedicated to enriching the lives of disabled people, through the provision of opportunities for riding, carriage driving and vaulting.

Our mission is to enrich the lives of disabled people through horses and our team at National Office work closely with our coaching workforce to ensure our groups are able to provide an excellent experience for those who take part in our activities.

This is a permanent full-time role, working 34 hours per week, although flexibility will be needed leading up to events, with extra hours covered by time off in lieu.

Salary is £20,000 per annum plus benefits.

Please ring Claire on 01926 405969 or email her on cmilican@rda.org.uk for a full job description. To apply please send a CV with covering email to cmilican@rda.org.uk.

Group Support Administrator (Maternity Cover)

Riding for the Disabled (RDA), Warwick

Summary of Job:
We are seeking a new member of staff to play a key role in supporting RDA groups in delivering an excellent service to our riders.

This role is an excellent opportunity for someone who prides themselves on their administrative capabilities and organisational skills, and is keen to develop these further.

The main responsibilities of the role include administrative support in three key areas:

• Administering the service providing disclosure checks for volunteers
• Providing administrative support in the delivery of an RDA national equestrian competition, held in July
• Organising the collection of information and annual statistics from our 500 member groups and ensuring our database is kept up to date.

About you:
The role is office based and we are looking for an excellent administrator.

You will need to be organised and self-motivated, being be able to manage your time effectively; providing telephone and email support to our groups whilst working on a varied range of administrative tasks.

It is important that you are a confident communicator with exceptional customer service skills as you will be providing advice and guidance to our volunteer workforce on a regular basis.

We also value adaptability, we are looking for someone who will enjoy working on new projects and the challenges associated with a varied workload.

About Us:
RDA is a leading national charity, dedicated to enriching the lives of disabled people, through the provision of opportunities for riding, carriage driving and vaulting.

Our mission is to enrich the lives of disabled people through horses and our staff team at national office work closely with our network of national volunteers to ensure our groups are able to provide an excellent experience for those who take part in our activities.

This is a temporary role, providing maternity cover, working 34 hours per week although flexibility will be needed leading up to events, with extra hours covered by time off in lieu.

Salary is £18,000 (pro rata) per annum.

Please ring Matt on 01926405966 or email mcobble@rda.org.uk for a full job description. To apply please send a covering letter and your CV to mcobble@rda.org.uk