Activities Programme Manager

About the role:

This role’s primary purpose is to identify the needs of RDA participants, leading the implementation of innovative and relevant participation-centred programmes resulting in increased and sustained participation.

The National Programme Manager will identify, develop and bring to market good practice from across the RDA network, developing, launching and monitoring programmes.

They will enable participation programmes to be activated within multiple environments including RDA Groups and RDA Approved Centres working collaboratively across RDA Teams and British Equestrian (BEF) Member Bodies.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Development and Impact

• Bring the RDA vision to life by creating programmes that have real, measurable impact and sustained outcomes for participants.
• Lead the activation of programmes ensuring every intervention is shaped by lived experience and insight, and genuinely relevant to the people it is intended to serve.
• Embed an outstanding and inclusive customer experience in every programme ensuring all participants, feel welcomed, supported, and empowered.
• Design and deliver RDA programmes that improve educational outcomes, are tuned into the education system across the home nation, and use best practices that reflect diverse needs and promote inclusive learning environments.
• Manage programme budgets carefully, ensuring RDA achieves value for every pound spent.
• Further development of RDA’s successful programmes (for example ‘Tea with a Pony’ and RDA Accredited Centres), prioritising reach and impact.
• Find creative and innovative ways to take RDA programmes to new audiences, removing barriers to access and opening up opportunities for more people to get involved.
• Ensure efficiency across all aspects of programme delivery, leading a consistent and methodical approach to programme development.

Collaboration and Expertise

• Act as the subject matter expert for all things related to participation programmes, keeping knowledge fresh and relevant, with inclusion and accessibility front of mind.
• Work in collaboration with the coaching team to ensure we develop coaching programmes and materials that underpin the delivery of participant programmes.
• Support the Fundraising Team at events (e.g. Badminton Horse Trials, London International Horse Show) to ensure the visibility and impact of our participation programmes.
• Ensure awareness of trends and shifts in the wider landscape, using data and insight to adapt programmes so they continue to meet the needs of all communities we serve.
• Be an active and positive member of the Participation Team—collaborating, connecting, and contributing to high team performance and inclusive working practices.
• Work with Communications and EDI colleagues to ensure programmes are visible, inclusive, and accessible at every stage.
• Support the Communications and Fundraising Teams to convey how RDA programmes improve lives, highlighting their power to deliver social, physical, and personal development outcomes for all participants.
• Provide support, knowledge and education for the RDA network to establish relations with schools, local authorities and other community partners.

We welcome people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity.