Board Trustees (x2)

Over the past two years, RDA has gone from strength to strength under the fantastic leadership of CEO Michael Bishop and Chair Helena Vega Lozano. We are now looking for 2 new trustees who will have a brilliant opportunity to help shape the long-term future of a truly impactful organisation.

Riding for the Disabled Association is the only major UK charity specifically dedicated to the therapeutic and life-changing benefits of bringing people and horses together. Each year, we enrich the lives of over 39,000 disabled children and adults through riding, carriage driving and a growing range of equine-assisted programmes.

If you’re passionate about inclusion, social impact and good governance – and want to use your skills at Board level – please take a look at the details and consider applying.

THE PERSON - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Job Title: Trustee (x2 roles)

Location: Lowlands Equestrian Centre, Old Warwick Road, Shrewley, Warwickshire CV35 7AX

Salary:  Trustee positions at RDA are voluntary. Agree expenses are reimbursed, 

Term of Office: 3 year term, renewable for up to three terms. 

Trustee - Finance 

The role is aimed at a qualified accountant with experience in charity accounting and finance, who brings financial acumen and strategic insight to long term financial planning. Working with our Treasurer and the wider Board, you will bring understanding of charity finance and help ensure RDA's financial resilience and sustainability as the Charity continues to evolve and grow. 

Trustee

This role will represent the grassroots of RDA. We are looking for someone who is experienced in running an RDA Group at committee or board level over a sustained period with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing local groups and the regional networks. You will bring invaluable operational insight and help ensure the experiences and needs of member groups continue to inform strategic decision making at a national level. You will help the Board remain closely connected to the needs of the member groups while supporting the development of sustainable and effective national initiatives. 

Candidates should:

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to RDA, its mission and values
• Bring sound judgement, strategic insight, and the ability to contribute effectively to Board discussions and decision making.
• Demonstrate strong relationship building and ambassadorial skills
• Be able to listen, engage constructively and work collaboratively as part of a team
• Understand, or be willing to develop an understanding of, charity governance and the legal responsibilities of Trustees
• Be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to fulfil the role effectively

Skills and Experience

We are specifically seeking candidates with experience in one of the following areas:

• Finance, strategic financial planning and charity finance, or
• Significant experience within an RDA Group at committee or board level and the wider federation

In addition candidates may also bring expertise in areas such as:

• Disability and inclusion
• Governance, organisational development or strategic transformation

Time Commitment

• Four Board meetings a year
• Trustees will also serve on at least one Board Committee
• Trustees are expected to attend key RDA events and visit member groups to remain connected to the organisation's work and impact
• The role is expected to require approximately two days per month 

We believe diversity of views, background and lived experience strengthens our Board and our organisation

We actively encourage applications from disabled people, people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ communities, younger candidates, and those from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute. 

RDA is a Disability Confident Employer