Chair of Trustees

Join us as Chair of Trustees for RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association)

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of disabled people? Do you possess the leadership skills and vision to guide a nationally recognised organisation as we build our resilience and evolve for the future? If so, we invite you to apply for the volunteer position of Chair of Trustees at RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association).

About Us:

RDA is a pioneering organisation and the only major UK charity whose focus is squarely on the therapeutic benefits of bringing people and horses together.

Our mission is to ensure that anyone with a disability can benefit from the unique bond between humans and horses, and we have been transforming lives through horses for over five decades.

Last year our horses enriched the lives of over 17,000 disabled children and adults. Through fun activities like riding and carriage driving, we provide therapy, fitness, skills development and opportunities for achievement.

RDA is a diverse and inclusive organisation, welcoming clients with long-term health conditions, impairments or illness, and there are no age limits.

Our impact is achieved through an incredible federated network of over 400 RDA member groups and 57 Accessibility Mark Centres right across the UK, powered by 13,000 amazing volunteers.

The Opportunity:

As the Chair of Trustees, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of RDA and driving our strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Board and ensure governance excellence.
• Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to set the long-term vision and strategy in support of our mission.
• Build and nurture relationships across the RDA community.
• Champion the organisation's mission and values, representing RDA at public events and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Oversee the appointment of a new permanent CEO and ensure the CEO and senior staff at RDA UK can achieve their goals.
• Support income generation to ensure long term financial sustainability.
• Act as an ambassador for RDA, raising awareness of our work.

The Successful Applicant

This is a significant opportunity for an individual who is emotionally intelligent to work with the Board, staff and RDA Groups, and who will bring governance and leadership experience at a senior level, together with a strong commitment to RDA’s mission.

Experience operating as a Chair or high performing non-executive with an understanding of what it means to work in a federated, volunteer led organisation, and a passion for the inclusion and empowerment of disabled people.

Excellent leadership and facilitation skills will be a pre-requisite, coupled with experience of managing relationships across multiple and complex stakeholders. You will have a proven track record of achievement.

Highly credible and inspirational, able to provide clear direction, to empower, motivate and develop a Board, with the ability to act as an ambassador and an inclusive spokesperson, internally and externally.

Forward thinking, insightful and capable of adding value to the future development of the organisation.

What's on Offer

The role of Chair involves a commitment of between 4 – 5 days a month, and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed.

Additional information

We value a diverse team, lived experience of disability, and welcome and encourage applications from all sectors of the community. You can read our equality and diversity statement here: www.rda.org.uk/equality-diversity/

If you need any special arrangements or assistance to support your application or interview process, please let us know.