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HRH Princess Anne launches 50th anniversary tartan for RDA in Scotland

May 2, 2019

A new tartan has been produced by Lachcarron of Scotland in celebration of 50 years of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) providing therapy through horses. The tartan was launched at an Anniversary event in Edinburgh by RDA President, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. The Princess met with volunteers and participants from around the country and was presented with her very own RDA tartan scarf by brothers Andrew and William McLeod.

In addition to launching the tartan, the event was an opportunity to celebrate 50 years of RDA in Scotland. There are 54 individual RDA groups in the country, supporting almost 3000 adults and children with physical and learning disabilities to benefit from horses. In her address to guests, The Princess thanked the volunteers – over 2,500 in Scotland – without whom RDA would not be possible. She acknowledged the whole team effort that it takes to help make such a real difference to people’s lives through riding and carriage driving.

Kim McCutcheon, Edinburgh and Borders Regional Chair for RDA, said “The tartan has been designed to incorporate the charity’s colours and it was lovely to launch it at a special celebration alongside our wonderful volunteers and participants. It would be fantastic to see the tartan worn across the whole of the UK and by purchasing a scarf you are helping to support another 50 years of therapy through horses.”

The event was kindly held at the People’s Postcode Lottery office in Charlotte Square, Edinburgh. Clara Govier, managing director of People’s Postcode Lottery said ‘It has been a honour to support Riding for the Disabled in celebrating their fiftieth year here in Scotland, and see the launch of their new tartan. They are an incredible charity, working across Britain to improve the lives of thousands of people. They are hugely popular with the players of People’s Postcode Lottery and have received over £2.5 million in funding since 2013.’

The tartan costs £22.95 and can be ordered from kate@tarandoun.co.uk

Filed Under: Group Admin
Page Last Updated: May 2, 2019

Job opportunity at RDA NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE – NTC Centre Manager

April 2, 2019

RDA NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE

CENTRE & COMMERCIAL MANAGER

RDA has developed a new National Training Centre and we are now seeking a dynamic and driven person to lead the work to make this a commercially successful, world class equestrian centre.  Based near Warwick, this is an exciting opportunity for the right person to make a significant impact on our work and what we can achieve.

The Role

The Centre Manager will be responsible to delivering an exciting plan to develop the activities on sire, ensure excellent customer service and manage the facility.  The Manager will oversee all operations at the Centre, develop and increase commercial activity, and plan the expansion and next stage of development.  Working with our yard team and coaches, s/he will also be responsible for ensuring that the Centre meets the highest standards, allowing it to be an example of great practice to the wider RDA network and beyond.

Salary – £30,000 – £35,000 (depending on experience), plus benefits

See www.rda.org.uk for the role description and more information

The Successful Candidate

You will be a driven individual, with a passion for what RDA achieves and a willingness to go the extra mile to make sure that the centre meets its targets.  You will have a proven track record of managing a facility and managing a team to deliver challenging targets; and you will be dedicated to ensuring we achieve a high standard of customer service.  You will be comfortable working with volunteers and support the ethos of a voluntary organisation.

About us

RDA is a National federation of charities that enriches the lives of disabled people through activities with horses, by providing meaningful therapy, opportunities for achievement and the joy of working with horses.  This National Training Centre is a new venture, which will house our new National Headquarters and will help us underline our commitment to training and supporting our volunteers to continually improve and increase our service.

Apply:

Please send a CV and covering letter, explain why you meet the criteria to:

Angela Sly, asly@rda.org.uk

RDA, Lowlands Equestrian Centre, Old Warwick Road, Shrewley, Warwickshire, CV35 7AX

Closing date for applications Monday 15th April 2019

NTC MANAGER job ad full version
NTC MANAGER Background
NTC Centre Manager Job Description

 

 

Filed Under: News
Page Last Updated: April 2, 2019

Job opportunity at the Elisabeth Curtis Centre

March 1, 2019

The Elisabeth Curtis Centre is a dedicated RDA centre providing riding for over 100 children and adults with special needs and disabilities. We now have vacancies for two part time grooms to join our team.

One position to cover; Monday to Thursday mornings, Friday, Saturday morning and evening 24 hours

Second position to cover; Monday to Thursday afternoon/evening, Friday, Sunday morning and evening 16 hours

Hours/days may be negotiable depending on co-worker Flexibility needed to ensure cover for emergencies etc. Main duties include:
• Bringing in, feeding, grooming and tacking up ponies
• Mucking out and general yard duties
• Checking fields
• Tack cleaning
• Clipping when required
• Exercising ponies – either ridden or groundwork (Centre weight limits apply for ridden work)

Will need to be able to work independently and with our team of coaches and volunteers
28 days paid holiday (including bank holidays) Salary dependant on experience.

Proven experience or relevant qualifications required, for example;
BHS Stage 2 Care (eQL Level 2 diploma in Horse Knowledge and Care) or the eQL Level 2 WBd diploma in Horse Care.
BHS Stage 3 Care (eQL Level 3 diploma in Horse Knowledge and Care), or the equivalent level of WBd.

DBS Check will need to be completed.

Applications in writing to elisabethcurtiscentre@gmail.com or The Elisabeth Curtis Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Bromham, Bedford, MK43 8HP – CV and covering letter

Any queries, please call 01234 604063
Closing Date – 15th March 2019

Filed Under: News
Page Last Updated: March 1, 2019

RDA Brand Research – have your say

February 22, 2019

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 50th 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.

Filed Under: Accessibility Mark, Events, Features, Fundraising, Group Admin, News, Volunteer Opportunities
Page Last Updated: May 23, 2019

Job Opportunity at the Cavalier Centre

February 18, 2019

Cavalier Centre – Family and Volunteer Liaison Manager role

Future home of the Perry RDA Charity number 1163030

An exciting opportunity has been created at the newly built £1.3m Cavalier Centre, future home of the Perry Riding for the Disabled Group based close to the historic town of Much Wenlock. We are looking to recruit a full time Family and Volunteer Liaison Manager (salary  £27,000 p.a. 40hr/wk) to join the core team who will be running this unique facility and creating a centre of excellence for Riding, Vaulting  and Driving for the Disabled and engaging with other local and national community-based organisations,  “ to deliver meaningful and life changing experiences”.

 This position is kindly funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund until 2022.          

The successful candidate will have exceptional communication skills, be very organised, compassionate, trustworthy with a successful event planning or organisational background. Should have good experience of working with and training volunteers as well as advising on services and support to disabled and disadvantaged groups of varying ages and abilities.       

If you believe you meet the above criteria and have the ability to work flexibly, please visit our website www.cavaliercentre.org for more information, to view a detailed job description and download an application form or email barkerj667@gmail.com and request documents to be sent to you. Deadline for the applications is 8th March 2019 and interviews will take place on or after 15th March 2019.

Filed Under: News
Page Last Updated: February 18, 2019

BEF advice on equine flu outbreak

February 7, 2019

Following the recent outbreak of equine flu, the British Equestrian Federation has issued advice for horse owners. You can find it here: Advice on equine flu

Filed Under: Group Admin, News
Page Last Updated: February 8, 2019

HRH Princess Anne Chairs 49th RDA AGM

November 19, 2018

The 49th RDA AGM took place in Glasgow under the Chairmanship of the charity’s President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Held within the splendour of Trades Hall, Glasgow, the AGM brought together delegates from RDA groups all over the UK – many of whom enjoyed a traditional Scottish welcome at the previous evening’s Ceilidh.

In her President’s address, The Princess acknowledged that next year’s 50th anniversary would be the time for reflections, but she took time to recognise the experience and expertise within the RDA family, made up of many years dedicated service by RDA’s volunteers and coaches.

Delegates were treated to talks from RDA riders Max Stainton, who recently became the first person with Cerebral Palsy to trek to Everest Basecamp on a horse, and Anne Brown, whose dedication to RDA extends to having the charity moto tattooed on her behind!

When asked about speaking in front of The Princess, Anne Brown said: “I was trying not to see her there but, of course, had to have a few sneaky peeks to gauge how it was going. As I realised she was smiling, then laughing, I kinda relaxed a bit. I was worried that I was overstepping the mark a wee bit, but it seems I wasn’t, so I’m glad that I went for it.”

The AGM also offered the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of outgoing RDA Chairman, Sam Orde, whose time in office officially ends in April 2019. Sam was presented with an Honorary Life Vice Presidency by The Princess Royal, who thanked her for the nine years she has given to the role.

The lively programme also included a welcome from The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Eva Bolander and presentations from Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of Sport Scotland, Occupational Therapist Rhona Harkness and Hazel Johnstone of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Director of Operations for RDA UK, Claire Milican presented her ‘Top of the Ops’ – a run down of the top ten innovations, improvements and activities delivered by the operations team at RDA National Office during this year.

Communications Manager, Caroline Ward, offered a taster of the proposed celebrations for RDA’s 50th anniversary throughout 2019.

“Thank you to our regional team in West & Central Scotland for hosting this year’s AGM,” said RDA Chief Executive Ed Bracher. “I am also grateful to Her Royal Highness, not just for chairing the business of the day, but for taking the time to meet so many of our participants and volunteers during her visit. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our 50th AGM next year!”

For copies of any of the day’s presentations please email Angela Sly at asly@rda.org.uk

Awards
• Honorary Life Vice Presidents – RDA UK Chairman Sam Orde and Deputy Chairman Sheila Saner
• President’s Award – Patricia Wilding of Clytha RDA
• Dudley Smith Award – Joan Jack and Alison Mackintosh – Brae RDA
• Loriners Education Award – Moray RDA
• Birt Spooner Cup – Max Stainton

Filed Under: Group Admin, News
Page Last Updated: November 19, 2018

Job Opportunity at The Diamond Centre RDA

October 22, 2018

The Diamond Centre Riding for the Disabled in Carshalton, Surrey is looking for a Yard Manager to join their professional team. This is a live-in position. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, well organised with excellent communication and stable management skills. They will be responsible for the management and care of the Diamond’s ‘Stable Assets’ which include 30 horses and ponies and associated tack, land, arenas and equipment. They will work as a member of the management team who will develop, maintain and supervise a teaching programme to meet the objectives of The Diamond Centre – that being the provision of riding and driving for disabled children and adults. They will have at least a BHS AI qualification and a minimum of 3 years practical experience in yard management. The package includes a self-contained 2 bedroom flat on site along with a competitive salary.

Please apply direct to the Centre Manager, Angela Moloney angela.moloney@diamondcentre.org.uk

Image result for the diamond centre rda

Filed Under: News
Page Last Updated: October 22, 2018

New Research Into The Benefits of RDA Volunteering

October 17, 2018

A new study is set to reveal the motivations and benefits experienced by volunteers who give their time to RDA. The biggest survey of its kind carried out by RDA aims to capture information from as many of the charity’s 19,000 volunteers as possible.

If you are an RDA Volunteer you can take part by following the link below

https://ns24.askia.com/WebProd/cgi-bin/askiaext.dll?Action=StartSurvey&SurveyName=Mane

“There is plenty of anecdotal evidence about the importance of volunteering in how people feel about themselves, and RDA volunteers are no exception,” explains Matt Cobble, Volunteer Development Manager at RDA UK. “But we have never been able to back that up with proper research. Many key organisations in the sporting world are now recognising volunteering in sport as an activity in its own right, now is a great time for us to find out if there really is a positive impact on those who take part.”

The results of the survey will be added to a qualitative study on the same subject. Both elements will form part of a White Paper to be launched in Parliament during the Spring of 2019 as part of RDA’s 50th anniversary.

The survey will be circulated to groups and will also be available on the RDA website, Twitter and Facebook pages. “We are urging all volunteers to take part. It doesn’t take long to complete and will give us valuable insight into the difference volunteering can make,” says Matt.

Filed Under: News
Page Last Updated: October 17, 2018

RDA seeks ’50 Faces’ for anniversary project

October 11, 2018

For our 50th anniversary in 2019, RDA UK is running an external facing publicity campaign with the aim of raising awareness of RDA to the general public. The campaign ’50 faces’ will comprise 50 portrait photographs of people within our organisation who challenge the perceptions of disability, volunteering or equestrian sport. The resulting portraits will form an interactive collage which will be used as a focal point for the RDA website, media campaign and social media throughout our 50th.

We will visit all our chosen participants to take the portrait and interview them. This will be a unique and engaging piece on the individual, their background or their RDA journey and will help to show the diverse range of participants and volunteers that make up RDA. 

 

What do I need to do if I want to participate?

Please email Beth Randles with a picture and brief background information about yourself, this will help us to choose a range of people from all different areas of RDA whether you are a volunteer, participant, parent or paid member of staff – we would like to represent everyone.

Beth Randles – brandles@rda.org.uk 

What should i include in the email?

In case you are not sure what to include in your email you could tell us about:

  • How you got into RDA & your RDA journey
  • Your age & background
  • Something unique & interesting that you also participate in – for instance other hobbies or your career 
  • Future aspirations 

Please be aware if you would like to participate in this campaign it is important that everyone involved feels comfortable with their name, image and story being publicly available and shared by RDA in print, broadcast and online- including social media. We hope to generate interest from the media through this campaign, so possible candidates should consider if they are happy to talk to journalists around their involvement with RDA (with support and guidance from us). 

 

 

Filed Under: Group Admin, News
Page Last Updated: October 11, 2018
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