RDA UK Trustee Vacancy
Are you passionate about disability inclusion and playing your part in improving the nation’s health and wellbeing? If so, we’re looking for a new trustee to join the Board at The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), as we continue to develop for the future.
At a time when more and more people are recognising the physical and emotional benefits of interacting with animals, our mission to ensure that everyone with a disability can benefit from the unique bond between humans and horses has never been more relevant.
You will join a forward-looking Board, who are seeking a candidate with significant skills and experience in Human Resources. Knowledge and awareness of safeguarding and engaging with volunteers, whilst not essential, would also be helpful.
Applicants are welcomed from individuals with experience across the charity, non-profit, private and government sectors. Applications close on 20 February 2025.
To apply please send the following documents to HR@rda.org.uk :
- Up-to-date CV (PDF, labelled with your name and role title)
- Supporting statement (PDF, up to two pages) outlining your interest in RDA and the Trustee role
Location: Lowlands Equestrian Centre, Old Warwick Road, Shrewley, CV35 7AX
Salary: Trustee positions at the RDA are voluntary. Agreed expenses are reimbursed.
Term of Office: 3 year term renewable for up to 3 terms.
Candidates Should
- Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to RDA, its strategic objectives and cause.
- Exhibit strong relationship building abilities and enjoy an ambassadorial role.
- Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively.
- Demonstrate an ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.
- Have a good understanding of charity governance matters.
Skills
Candidates will have significant skills and experience in Human Resources. Knowledge and awareness of safeguarding and engaging with volunteers, whilst not essential, would also be helpful.
Time Commitment
- 4 Board meetings per year. In addition, Trustees will be asked to join one of RDA’s sub-committees.
- All trustees are expected to attend key RDA events and visit RDA groups from time to time.
- It is expected that the trustee role will require working on average 2 days per month.
We believe that diversity of views and experience are paramount to how we develop and grow our charity. As such we actively encourage applications from candidates with lived experience of disability, ethnically diverse and LGBTQUIA+ communities, and from less advantaged backgrounds.
A message from RDA UK’s Chair of Trustees
Thank you for your interest in becoming an RDA UK Trustee.
At a time when more and more people are recognising the physical and emotional benefits of interacting with animals, our mission to ensure that everyone with a disability can benefit from the unique bond between humans and horses has never been more relevant.
Riding for the Disabled is the only major UK charity whose focus is squarely on the therapeutic benefits of bringing people and horses together, drawing on more than five decades of experience to provide personalised, goal-oriented programmes for disabled children and adults with a physical, mental health condition, or long-term illness that impacts their daily life.
As a Trustee you will bring skills and expertise to a forward-looking Board and play a key role in shaping the strategy as the charity embarks on the next phase of our journey to 2030.
As a Board member you will provide strategic direction to the RDA UK team. This is a pivotal time as we step up the support and services on offer to our member groups delivering life enriching experiences on the ground, alongside developing new propositions and partnerships for future growth.
Like many charities, the last few years have been challenging. However, demand for our services is higher than ever before; social prescribing of equine-facilitated activities is on the rise and there are increasing opportunities to partner with like-minded organisations to further extend our reach.
This is an exciting time to join RDA UK. The Board is embracing opportunities and leading a period of organisational development to build the resilience and long-term sustainability of RDA at all levels, including refreshing our governance structure and strategy so they are fit for the future.
We are looking for a Trustee who is passionate about our mission, who can build relationships, and act as a critical friend to our Executive.
RDA is a well-respected and much-loved charity with an impressive track record. We believe it’s what you can do that counts, and we now want to harness the potential to make an even bigger impact.
If you feel you have the right skills to join our Board, we would very much like to hear from you.
Best of luck!
Helena Vega-Lozano
Chair of the Trustees, RDA UK
About RDA
RDA is a pioneering organisation and the only major UK charity whose focus is squarely on the therapeutic benefits of bringing people and horses together.
Our mission is to ensure that anyone with a disability can benefit from the unique bond between humans and horses, and we have been transforming lives through horses for over five decades.
Nearly 1 in 4 of the UK population are disabled, with a physical, mental health condition, or long-term illness that impacts their daily life. RDA uses the unique connection with horses to provide riding, carriage driving, equestrian sport, equine therapy and non-ridden equine assisted programmes across 450 local RDA groups to over 25,000 disabled children and adults in the UK. RDA is a diverse and inclusive organisation, welcoming people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity.
Our impact is achieved through an incredible grassroots network of 450 independent member groups across the UK, powered by over 13,700 dedicated volunteers and 1,700 coaches.
RDA is an equal opportunities employer. No job applicant or employee will be discriminated against on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
Find Out More about RDA Activities
Therapeutic Riding and Carriage Driving
Riding and carriage driving offers significant therapeutic benefits
Equine Assisted Activities
RDA Groups offer a range of Equine Assisted activities, opening up the health and wellbeing benefits of spending time with horses to more people
Equine Sport and Championships
The RDA National Championships is one of the most inclusive equestrian events of its kind
