Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)

At Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), we enrich lives through the unique bond between people and horses. Each year, we support over 39,000 disabled children and adults through activities including riding, carriage driving, and equine assisted programmes such as Quiet Corners and Tea with a Pony. We are pioneers in the therapeutic use of horses, leaders in disability sport, and the only major UK charity focused specifically on the health and wellbeing benefits of bringing people and horses together. We welcome people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity. With 24% of the UK population classified as disabled, we make a lasting impact through the therapeutic power of horses. We are now looking for an IT Manager to join the team at our national office in Warwickshire and help us to continue our work. About the Role The IT Manager is responsible for ensuring the organisation's technology is secure, reliable, effective and aligned with business needs. The role oversees the delivery and continuous improvement of IT services, systems, equipment and communications, working closely with colleagues and external technology partners to ensure high-quality service delivery. The post holder will manage technology suppliers, business systems and digital improvement initiatives, ensuring IT investments and projects support organisational priorities, operational resilience, business continuity and future growth. Key Responsibilities IT Service Delivery • Lead the day-to-day operation of the IT function, ensuring the delivery of reliable and effective technology services. • Manage outsourced IT support providers and technology suppliers, monitoring performance against agreed service levels, contracts and organisational requirements. • Conduct regular service reviews to ensure continuous improvement and value for money, escalating issues as required. • Regularly report on service and supplier performance, highlighting key risks and operational issues. Infrastructure & Business Systems • Monitor the performance, availability, development and continuous improvement of the organisation's infrastructure, cloud services, communications platforms and key business applications. • Provide technical leadership and support for complex or business-critical issues where required. • Ensure telephone, mobile and remote working technologies effectively support organisational needs. • Maintain appropriate technical documentation and system records. Technology Strategy & Projects • Develop, maintain and deliver the organisation's technology roadmap in alignment with organisational priorities. • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, collaboration, service delivery and user experience through technology. • Lead or coordinate technology-related projects, system upgrades and digital improvement initiatives. • Act as a key stakeholder in organisational digital transformation and technology-enabled change. IT Asset & Licensing • Manage technology assets, software licensing and subscriptions throughout their lifecycle. • Ensure IT assets remain compliant, fit for purpose and aligned with the organisation's asset replacement arrangements. Cyber Security, Compliance & Risk • Promote cyber security awareness and good security practices across the organisation. Monitoring the training and escalating non-compliance. • Work with the Data Compliance Officer to support compliance with data protection, information governance and technology policies. • Ensure appropriate technical controls are in place to protect systems and information. • Support audits, compliance reviews and the implementation of technology-related policies and standards. • Identify and manage technology-related risks, developing and maintaining processes that support business continuity and disaster recovery. Person Specification Essential • Experience owning and managing department owned business systems and applications in a multi-stakeholder environment, including IT asset and software licence management. • Extensive experience of working with Microsoft 365 and utilising its capability to provide business solutions. • Experience developing technology plans, roadmaps, budgets, or investment priorities. • Knowledge of cyber security principles and security awareness programmes. • Experience of managing stakeholders, external suppliers and support providers. • Knowledge of data protection and information governance requirements. • Understanding of business continuity and disaster recovery principles. • Strong customer service focus, with the ability to explain technical matters to a non-technical audience. • Effective organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and workloads. • Proven ability to build positive working relationships with stakeholders and suppliers through excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • Strong analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to translate organisational requirements into clear technology priorities and practical delivery plans. Desirable • Degree or equivalent qualification in Information Technology or a related discipline or equivalent experience. • ITIL Foundation qualification. • Project management or change management qualification, or equivalent practical experience. • Relevant supplier, contract, service management, or business analysis training.

Equine Welfare and Development Officer At Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), we enrich lives through the unique bond between people and horses. Each year, we support over 39,000 disabled children and adults through activities including riding, carriage driving, and equine assisted programmes such as Quiet Corners and Tea with a Pony. We are pioneers in the therapeutic use of horses, leaders in disability sport, and the only major UK charity focused specifically on the health and wellbeing benefits of bringing people and horses together. We welcome people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity. With 24% of the UK population classified as disabled, we make a lasting impact through the therapeutic power of horses. We are now looking for an Equine Welfare and Development Officer to join the team at our national office in Warwickshire, and help us to continue our work. Role Purpose The role will support the coordination and development of equine welfare across RDA, helping to promote high standards of equine safety, care and management. Working with external bodies, including British Equestrian (BEF), the postholder will manage the welfare concerns process, including oversight, coordination, referral and liaison. However they will not be expected to conduct investigations or issue sanctions. Key Responsibilities Equine Welfare Case Management • Act as RDA's Equine Welfare Officer Representative with British Equestrian (BEF) and as the primary point of contact within RDA for equine welfare concerns and queries. • Provide administration support for the case management of equine welfare concerns, maintaining accurate and confidential records in accordance with RDA procedures. • Liaise with the BEF Case Management Group and other relevant contacts to support the appropriate progression, referral and escalation of welfare concerns. • Coordinate welfare visits, reports, recommendations and follow-up actions where appropriate. • Provide practical advice and guidance to Groups and volunteers in response to welfare concerns and recommendations, signposting to relevant equine welfare organisations and resources where specialist support is required. Equine Welfare Guidance and Development • Support RDA to align its equine welfare approach with relevant legislation, sector frameworks, policies and RDA welfare standards. • Provide practical guidance on equine welfare, care, equipment and related matters, developing, and maintaining resources and educational materials for RDA Groups and volunteers. • Maintain current knowledge of relevant equine welfare legislation, guidance, policy and good practice through appropriate training and sector engagement. • Identify recurring themes and opportunities arising from welfare concerns and wider practice, recommending where further guidance, resources or support may be required. Advisory Groups and Specialist Welfare Support • Provide administrative and practical support to relevant equine advisory groups, including coordinating meetings and follow-up actions. • Support equine welfare projects and initiatives as agreed with the Head of Coaching and Equine. • Provide equine welfare input into specialist RDA activities and projects, working with relevant volunteers and advisors to develop appropriate practice, guidance and resources. • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with relevant equine welfare organisations, veterinary contacts, specialist volunteers and other external partners. General • Work collaboratively with colleagues across RDA to support equine welfare priorities and provide equine welfare input and advice where required. • Demonstrate and promote RDA's values and contribute positively to the organisation's culture. • Provide support to RDA events, including the National Championships, where required. • Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the role and level of responsibility. Person Specification Essential • Relevant experience in equine welfare, horse care, the equine industry or a closely related field. • Sound knowledge and understanding of equine welfare, good horse care and relevant welfare legislation and good practice. • Experience of case management, ideally involving equine welfare, safeguarding, complaints or another relevant area. • Experience of handling sensitive or confidential information appropriately. • Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records. • Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and appropriately about sensitive matters. • Ability to develop positive working relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. • Ability to work independently, use initiative, manage competing priorities and recognise when matters require referral or escalation. • Confident using Microsoft Office and other digital systems, with the ability to learn new systems and processes. • Empathy with volunteering and an understanding of the environment in which RDA Groups and volunteers operate. • Commitment to RDA's values and to safeguarding, inclusion, equality, anti-discrimination and best practice. • A constructive and supportive approach to promoting good equine welfare practice and responding to welfare concerns. Desirable • Relevant professional qualification or formal training in equine welfare, animal welfare, equine care or a related field. • Experience of managing equine welfare concerns or supporting equine welfare investigations. • Experience of working with a national, charitable, volunteer-led, equestrian or welfare organisation. • Knowledge or experience of RDA equine activities or other specialist equestrian activities. • Experience of developing welfare guidance, educational materials or practical resources.

Activities and Coaching Operations Coordinator At Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), we enrich lives through the unique bond between people and horses. Each year, we support over 39,000 disabled children and adults through activities including riding, carriage driving, and equine assisted programmes such as Quiet Corners and Tea with a Pony. We are pioneers in the therapeutic use of horses, leaders in disability sport, and the only major UK charity focused specifically on the health and wellbeing benefits of bringing people and horses together. We welcome people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity. With 24% of the UK population classified as disabled, we make a lasting impact through the therapeutic power of horses. We are now looking for an Activities and Coaching Operations Coordinator to join the team at our national office in Warwickshire and help us to continue our work. Role Purpose To support the coordination, development, and effective delivery of RDA participants' activities, ensuring objectives are achieved in line with the charity's strategic priorities. The postholder will provide coordination, administrative and compliance support, contributing to the safe, consistent and effective delivery of participant activities and associated coaching processes. RDA activities include riding, carriage driving, vaulting and other specialist or emerging activities that support participant development, achievement and wellbeing. Specific Responsibilities Activities Support & Coordination • Assist with the coordination of specialist activities including carriage driving, vaulting and other developing activity areas. • Act as a first point of response for activity-related enquiries from RDA Groups, volunteers and coaches. • Develop, maintain and review activity related guidance, resources, forms and information. • Support activity advisory groups and associated projects, including meeting administration, actions and follow-up as required. • Provide operational and administrative support to the wider Coaching and Equine Team to facilitate effective service delivery Activity Compliance & Coaching Support • Support the implementation and communication of activity standards, guidance, and recommendations. • Support the collection and maintenance of information relating to activity-specific concerns, actions and follow-up requirements. • Support with quality assurance and information gathering processes relating to activities and coaching. • Provide support and assistance with coaching administration, including training and assessment, coaching pathway and the maintenance of forms, guidance and resources. Team Administration & Operational Support • Planning and facilitation of internal and external meetings, including agenda distribution, minute taking and follow-up actions as required. • Processing and recording of paperwork relating to activities and coaching. • Assist with the development, maintenance and continuous improvement of online resources, learning materials and information, working closely with colleagues to ensure content remains accurate, accessible and up to date. • Support budget administration, including processing relevant expenses and monitoring expenditure as required. • Assist with event administration and the delivery of activities, training and other departmental events. • Support colleagues with projects and initiatives across the Coaching and Equine team as required. Stakeholder Support • Provision of advice and guidance to volunteers, coaches and member groups in relation to activities and associated processes. • Build and maintain positive working relationships with activity volunteers, coaches, advisory groups and relevant external stakeholders. • Gather feedback from activity volunteers, coaches, member groups and the wider RDA network, identifying recurring themes, opportunities and concerns, escalating issues where appropriate, and providing insight to support the Head of Coaching and Equine and wider team. • Support effective communication of activity and coaching information across the RDA network. General • Undertake such other duties as the line manager shall from time to time determine. • Demonstrate the values and cultural aspirations of RDA in all work. • Ensure due consideration is always given to our charitable aims and objectives and that this is demonstrated in all activities. • Attend and support the National Championships and other key events as required, including planning and preparation activities in advance of events and operational support during delivery. Person Specification Essential • Experience of coordinating activities, events, training, projects or programmes, with the ability to prioritise competing demands. • Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with accuracy and attention to detail. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with experience of providing advice, guidance or customer support in a professional environment • Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, volunteers and stakeholders. • Understanding of, and ability to work effectively within, a volunteer-led environment. • Empathy with the aims and values of RDA. • Ability to use initiative, work independently and contribute effectively as part of a team. • Working understanding of inclusion, equality, safeguarding and relevant good practice. • Good digital literacy, including experience of Microsoft Office and other digital systems. Desirable • Knowledge or experience of equestrian sport, coaching or equine-related environments. • Knowledge or experience of RDA and its activities. • Understanding of carriage driving and its operational requirements. • Experience of working within a charity or membership organisation. • Experience of compliance, quality assurance or operational processes