Evolving the Programme: 2025 Improvements 

In 2022/23, British Equestrian commissioned Access to Sport to review the Accessibility Mark to explore how to enhance the Accessibility Mark (AM) and position it as a ‘must-have’ disability kitemark for customer excellence within the equestrian sector. The resulting recommendations focused on: 

• Improving communication 

• Enhancing support for centres 

• Expanding access to training and CPD (Continuing Professional Development) 

A dedicated working group was formed in 2024 to drive these improvements. It includes representatives from RDA regional teams, both new and established Accessibility Mark Centres, and Accessibility Support Officers (ASOs).  

We have agreed on three Key Areas for Improvement to move the Accessibility Mark programme forward:  

Key Areas for Improvement:

1. Communication

• Clearer information for RDA Groups and County Chairs about the benefits of Accessibility Mark Centres. 

• New materials to help participants and families understand the difference between RDA Groups and Accessibility Mark Centres. 

• The renaming of Accessibility Mark to RDA Approved Centres. You’ll begin to see the new name rolled out within RDA over the coming months, with updated materials provided to support the transition, with a public announcement planned for autumn. This will help to strengthen public /and the equine sectors recognition and reflect the programme’s close connection to RDA and trusted standards.

• Hold twice-yearly online forums to encourage idea-sharing and best practice between Centres. 

2. Support for Centres

• Develop and provide online resource packs and promotional materials  

• Access to www.MyRDA.org.uk for policies, guidance, and tools. 

• Eligibility to participate in RDA initiatives, including: 

• Creative Writing competitions 

• Regional and National Championships

• Create a digital Welcome Pack for new Centres. 

To enter a participant in the 2025 Regional Championships, email  AM@rda.org.uk to connect with your regional lead. 

3. Training & CPD

• Reintroduction of the Disability Awareness e-learning module as a requirement for all Centres. 

• Centre access to the RDA eLearning platform 

• Increased access to regional training events and connection with the wider RDA network. 

• Standardised reassessment training with support from ASOs. 

• Inclusion of all Accessibility Mark Centres in the upcoming RDA Handbook. 

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 Ongoing Development & Opportunities 

RDA continues to develop initiatives to support Accessibility Mark Centres. Recent improvements include: 

• Reconnecting with all Accessibility Mark Centres  

• Providing Access to the bi-weekly RDA UK newsletters with key updates, training dates, and exclusive offers. 

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 Reassessments 

Our Accessibility Support Officers (ASOs) are actively working to address any backlog in reassessments and training. Centres awaiting reassessment will be reached shortly. For urgent inquiries or to check your status, please contact RDA directly, or your ASO. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work through this process.  

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Need Help or Have Questions?  

We’re here to support you every step of the way—whether you’re already an established Accessibility Mark Centre or just getting started.  

Email: AM@rda.org.uk  
Phone: 01926 492915