Instructor training manager jobs

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 looking for an Instructor to be based at our Equestrian Centre in Warwickshire, to help us continue our work. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Instructor (non-ridden activities)

Reports to:  Centre Manager

Based at: Lowlands Equestrian Centre, Warwickshire

Hours: Part Time 20 hours per week, Monday, Friday and Saturday

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £15,859

 Role Purpose

The RDA Instructor (Non-Ridden Activities) is responsible for the planning, coordination, and delivery of engaging and inclusive equine-facilitated learning (EFL) and non-ridden sessions at Lowlands Equestrian Centre. The role focuses on supporting individuals with disabilities through meaningful equine-based activities, ensuring a safe, structured, and person-centred approach.

Key Responsibilities

Session Delivery

· Plan and deliver all Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) and non-ridden activities, ensuring sessions are safe, inclusive, and purposeful.

· Lead sessions that promote confidence, communication, independence, and wellbeing.

· Ensure all activities are aligned with RDA values and best practice.

Session Planning

· Design and implement structured session plans tailored to the needs, abilities, and goals of each participant.

· Adapt activities to suit a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.

Individualised Support

· Structure non-ridden sessions to meet individual needs, ensuring each participant is appropriately supported and challenged.

· Monitor progress and adjust activities to support development and engagement.

Horse Allocation

· Allocate suitable horses for non-ridden activities based on:

o Participant needs and abilities

o Horse temperament and suitability

· Ensure horses are used appropriately and their welfare is maintained.

 Record Keeping

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date session records, including:

o Attendance

o Participant progress and observations

o Any incidents or concerns

Volunteer Training & Support

· Identify, train, and support volunteers involved in non-ridden sessions.

· Provide clear guidance and instruction to ensure safe and effective session delivery.

· Promote best practice and consistency in volunteer support.

Health, Safety & Welfare

· Ensure all sessions are delivered in line with health and safety policies and RDA guidelines.

· Monitor the welfare of both participants and horses, taking appropriate action when required.

· Complete and adhere to relevant risk assessments.

Person Specification

 Essential Criteria

· Experience of delivering activities in a disability or therapeutic setting.

· Strong understanding of inclusive practice and supporting individuals with additional needs.

· Ability to plan and deliver structured, person-centred sessions.

· Experience of working with and training volunteers.

· Good organisational and record-keeping skills.

· Awareness of health and safety and safeguarding requirements.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable Criteria

· Relevant qualification in Equine Facilitated Learning, RDA coaching, education, or therapy.

· Experience of working within an RDA-approved centre.

· First Aid and safeguarding training.

· Background in education, care, or therapy.

· Knowledge of equine behaviour and welfare, particularly in non-ridden contexts.

Personal Attributes

· Patient, empathetic, and inclusive approach.

· Creative and adaptable in session delivery.

· Confident and supportive leader.

· Calm and observant, with strong attention to individual needs.

· Reliable and well-organised.

· Committed to promoting wellbeing, inclusion, and high welfare standards.

Northern Dog Volunteer Recruitment Officer

Location: Home based, supporting northern region’s (Including Scotland, Northern England and parts of the Midlands, with travel outside these areas occasionally)

Salary Band:  £26,000 to £27,000 FTE (pro rata for part-time hours)

Job Type: Part-time (3 to 4 days per week), with flexibility required for regular evening / overnight stays and weekend work

Reports To: Head of Dog Supply & Canine Support Services

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving alert assistance dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.

We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small but fast-growing charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field.

We are looking for someone with the skills, experience and passion to join our Canine Services Department, and to be responsible for the recruitment, training and development of dog supply volunteers.

Responsibilities of the Role:

Recruitment of Volunteers (puppy socialisers, holiday cover, and fosterers)

• To liaise with volunteering team regarding current recruitment areas and support on the ground recruitment activities in the relevant regions, involving volunteers and dogs where appropriate
• To manage the process of dog volunteer recruitment
• To oversee that necessary checks have been completed to assess prospective new dog volunteers, including home, workplace, pet dog and children assessments, when required
• Inform stakeholders when a dog volunteer is signed off and ready to have an MDD living with them
• Achieve monthly targets as set by the Head of Dog Supply and Canine Services

Training of Volunteers:

• Deliver effective training by organising dog handling classes before volunteers receive their Medical Detection Dog
• Oversee the online training pathway for all dog volunteers
• Ensure all dog volunteers have received and read the training manual, addressing any questions they may have
• Be the first point of contact for all dog volunteers during the application and training process
• Link volunteers with appropriate buddies prior to placement of a puppy/dog

Other:

• To manage the Puppy Socialisers Facebook page, delivering key training messages via this platform.
• Update the Harlequin CRM and Assemble database promptly to maintain accurate and up to date records of all dog volunteers, e.g. what training they have received etc.
• Support the Dog Training and Partnership Instructor in matching and allocating dog volunteers with MDD puppies
• Support the charity’s fundraising, communications and volunteering teams as required, specifically in relation to your area
• Share best practice with colleagues across the charity
• Other tasks or ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager to ensure the successful running of the charity

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience in planning and coordinating volunteer recruitment events and recruiting volunteers
• Previous experience delivering training sessions
• Strong ability to communicate clearly and confidently with a range of audiences
• Confidence in using social media to promote volunteer recruitment
• Basic knowledge of GDPR
• Ability to deliver volunteer training, including assessing individual learning styles and adapting approaches while following structured programmes
• Strong teaching and instructional skills
• Ability to plan, prioritise and organise workload effectively for self and others
• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients and their families, volunteers, professional partners, members of the public, media, managers and colleagues
• High level of IT literacy and report writing skills, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Desirable

• Understanding of training assistance dogs
• Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in dog training
• Basic understanding of practical dog training theories
• Knowledge of laws related to dogs
• Understanding of dog and human psychology
• Awareness of health and safety implications in dog and volunteer handling
• Understanding of ADUK and ADI regulations

Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to:

• Hold a full UK Driving Licence
• Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK
• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Work some evenings and weekends with the possibility of spending nights away

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Medical Detection Dogs, please do not hesitate to apply.

We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Southern Dog Volunteer Recruitment Officer

Location: Based at Medical Detection Dogs centre, supporting central & southern regions

Salary Band:  £26,000 to £27,000 FTE (pro rata for part-time hours)

Job Type: Part-time (3 to 4 days per week), with flexibility required for regular evening / overnight stays and weekend work

Reports To: Head of Dog Supply & Canine Support Services

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving alert assistance dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.

We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small but fast-growing charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field.

We are looking for someone with the skills, experience and passion to join our Canine Services Department, and to be responsible for the recruitment, training and development of dog supply volunteers.

Responsibilities of the Role:

Recruitment of Volunteers (puppy socialisers, holiday cover, and fosterers)

• To liaise with volunteering team regarding current recruitment areas and support on the ground recruitment activities in the relevant regions, involving volunteers and dogs where appropriate
• To manage the process of dog volunteer recruitment
• To oversee that necessary checks have been completed to assess prospective new dog volunteers, including home, workplace, pet dog and children assessments, when required
• Inform stakeholders when a dog volunteer is signed off and ready to have an MDD living with them
• Achieve monthly targets as set by the Head of Dog Supply and Canine Services

Training of Volunteers:

• Deliver effective training by organising dog handling classes before volunteers receive their Medical Detection Dog
• Oversee the online training pathway for all dog volunteers
• Ensure all dog volunteers have received and read the training manual, addressing any questions they may have
• Be the first point of contact for all dog volunteers during the application and training process
• Link volunteers with appropriate buddies prior to placement of a puppy/dog

Other:

• To manage the Puppy Socialisers Facebook page, delivering key training messages via this platform.
• Update the Harlequin CRM and Assemble database promptly to maintain accurate and up to date records of all dog volunteers, e.g. what training they have received etc.
• Support the Dog Training and Partnership Instructor in matching and allocating dog volunteers with MDD puppies
• Support the charity’s fundraising, communications and volunteering teams as required, specifically in relation to your area
• Share best practice with colleagues across the charity
• Other tasks or ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager to ensure the successful running of the charity

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience in planning and coordinating volunteer recruitment events and recruiting volunteers
• Previous experience delivering training sessions
• Strong ability to communicate clearly and confidently with a range of audiences
• Confidence in using social media to promote volunteer recruitment
• Basic knowledge of GDPR
• Ability to deliver volunteer training, including assessing individual learning styles and adapting approaches while following structured programmes
• Strong teaching and instructional skills
• Ability to plan, prioritise and organise workload effectively for self and others
• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients and their families, volunteers, professional partners, members of the public, media, managers and colleagues
• High level of IT literacy and report writing skills, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Desirable

• Understanding of training assistance dogs
• Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in dog training
• Basic understanding of practical dog training theories
• Knowledge of laws related to dogs
• Understanding of dog and human psychology
• Awareness of health and safety implications in dog and volunteer handling
• Understanding of ADUK and ADI regulations

Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to:

• Hold a full UK Driving Licence
• Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK
• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Work some evenings and weekends with the possibility of spending nights away

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Medical Detection Dogs, please do not hesitate to apply.

We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.