RDA UK Volunteer Vacancies

RDA UK has a fantastic team of talented and dedicated volunteers with invaluable knowledge and expertise, supporting the work of RDA at national, regional and county levels. Below are some of our current volunteer vacancies.

If you are looking to volunteer or support your local group, please find them here.

Join RDA UK as an Advisory Board Member – Make a Lasting Impact 

*Please note that this is not the full list of roles on each board; some have already been filled by appointment.

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for equine welfare, high standards in charitable delivery, or inclusive activities? RDA UK is looking for dedicated professionals to join our Advisory Boards in a voluntary, non-executive capacity. 

About RDA UK 

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) UK is a national charity that enables people with disabilities to experience life-changing benefits through horses. With a UK-wide network of member groups, we are committed to delivering excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in all we do. 

About the Role 

As an Advisory Board Member, you will support our mission by offering expert advice and thought leadership. This role is purely advisory — focused on influence, not governance or operations. There are three Advisory Boards, and the particular skills and experience we’re looking for each are listed below. 

  • Participants – Championing the voice of our participants, ensuring the participant perspective is woven into our offering. 
  • VolunteersLeading the way in volunteering, ensuring RDAs vision to be a leader in volunteering experience across the UK. 
  • Education  – Bringing an education background to increase the RDA educational experience in its offering. 
  • Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)A leader in EDI they will ensure RDA continues momentum in embedding EDI across the organisation, ensuring it is a welcoming place for all. 
  • Environmental sustainabilityA leader in environmental sustainability field will work to bring an increased sustainability view to RDAs member group operations. 
  • Mental HealthA professional in mental health support, bringing to life mental health considerations in our work. 
  • Advanced CoachingA RDA coaching professional with advanced coaching qualifications to support the ongoing development of coaching standards at RDA. Preference for PRACA attendance. 
  • Equine Welfare  – An individual with clear experience in the field that will ensure equine welfare continues to be central to how we deliver our services.  
  • PhysiotherapyA human focused physio to help us embed the therapy benefits of our services across the organisation.  
  • ParticipantsChampioning the voice of our participants, ensuring the participant perspective is woven into our offering. 
  • Carriage DrivingA carriage driving professional with experience in RDA delivery. 
  • Tea with a Pony/Dementia care servicesA representative with experience in delivering the ‘tea with a pony’ initiative within RDA or has experience within the Dementia care field. 
  • Equine Assisted ServicesA leader in equine assisted services, supporting RDAs continued development in service offering. 
  • Equine Welfare  – An individual with clear experience in the field that will ensure equine welfare continues to be central to how we deliver our services.  
  • PhysiotherapyA human focused physio to help us embed the therapy benefits across all out delivered activities.  
  • Advanced CoachingA RDA coaching professional with advanced coaching qualifications to support the ongoing development of coaching across the different activities that RDA offer. Preference for PRACA attendance. 
  • Equine Welfare Advisory Board
  • VetA qualified veterinary surgeon, leading in equine practice that will support the ongoing development of equine welfare policies and practices, supporting equine welfare to be the central part of RDAs way of delivering services. 
  • FarrierA qualified farrier, who is a leader in their field, using their knowledge and experience, supporting equine welfare to be the central part of RDAs way of delivering services. 
  • Equine PhysiotherapistA qualified equine physio, who is a leader in their field, using their knowledge and experience, supporting equine welfare to be the central part of RDAs way of delivering services. 
  • Equine Research A leader in equine research ensuring RDA remains at the forefront of the latest best practise and welfare standards. 
  • Equine WelfareAn individual with clear experience in the field that will ensure equine welfare continues to be central to how we deliver our services.  
  • PhysiotherapyA human focused physio to help us ensure equine welfare remains central to RDA as part of delivering therapy through horses. 
  • Advanced CoachA RDA coaching professional with advanced coaching qualifications to support the ongoing development of coaching knowledge of equine welfare. Preference for PRACA attendance. 

Note: Some roles have the option to sit across multiple Boards. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Offer strategic insight and professional expertise to inform key decisions. 
  • Contribute actively to Advisory Board meetings (minimum twice per year). 
  • Provide guidance on best practice, innovation, and emerging opportunities. 
  • Support projects and collaborate between meetings as needed. 
  • Assist in the development of reports and recommendations for RDA UK Trustees. 

What We’re Looking For 

  • Proven experience and leadership in a relevant industry. 
  • Specialist knowledge aligned with one of the Advisory Boards. 
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 
  • Prior board or advisory experience (desirable, not essential). 
  • A genuine commitment to RDA’s mission and values. 

Note: Advisory Board Members cannot be current RDA UK Trustees or staff. 

Commitment 

  • Serve a 3-year term, renewable up to three times (maximum 9 years). 
  • Attend two Advisory Board meetings annually, with additional engagement as required. 
  • Maintain confidentiality and uphold RDA’s values at all times. 

Why Join? 

This is an opportunity to share your expertise, shape the future of inclusive equestrian activity, and help RDA UK continue delivering life-enhancing experiences. If you’re looking to give back in a meaningful way, we would love to hear from you. 

The last day for applications is 31 July 2025. Apply using this link –  https://forms.office.com/e/UdHH4TjyXP
To find out more, please contact Rebecca Wheaver at Rwheaver@rda.org.uk or 01926 962985. 

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