Disability Equalities Lead

Riding for the Disabled

Disability Equalities Lead
About the Role

RDA is the only major charity whose core focus is the therapeutic and health benefits of bringing people and horses together and we have built our reputation and our success by providing activities for disabled people and people with long term health conditions. Our activities are recommended by Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, and the majority of our participants are referred to RDA by a medical professional.

Our aim is to broaden our reach of participants to ensure that all individuals who could benefit from participating in activities with RDA have access to our offering, especially those from groups who are currently underrepresented.

Role Purpose

The role holder will be the key advocate within RDA and our subject matter expert on disability. This role will work alongside the wider Participation team and all other RDA functions to understand, advise and advocate for both current and future disabled participants taking part in RDA activity opportunities.

Specific Responsibilities

Strategy Development and Implementation
The role holder will develop and implement strategies and plans to significantly broaden the range of impairments that we can support, including health and therapy, removing barriers to participation and building expertise and know how
The role holder will work collaboratively with the Head of Participation and the wider Participation Team to support the development and implementation of a comprehensive Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy that aligns with RDA’s values, goals, and aspirations with a specific emphasis on disability
Disability Advocacy

To be the ‘subject matter expert’ on disability for RDA and to represent RDA both internally and externally by networking and developing relationships within the equine sector at a national level
To provide advice and guidance on disability and inclusion to RDA member groups, colleagues and volunteers
Working alongside the Head of Participation and act as an advocate for all current participants to ensure that their voices are heard and that programmes are developed to meet their aspirations
Build strategic partnerships with non-equine charities, advocates, agencies and support networks for disabled people to draw on their expertise to develop partnerships and programmes that offer therapeutic interventions to participants
Work with the Coaching and Equine Teams, Groups and National Lead Volunteers to ensure that the needs of participants are delivered across venues, facilities, equipment and equines that they work with.
Awareness, Education and Training

Education: Develop and deliver information and training programs to educate Groups, employees and volunteers to foster awareness and sensitivity around disability diversity and inclusion
Policy and Procedure Enhancement

Provide advice and guidance throughout the RDA network to ensure that RDA policies and procedures are inclusive and equitable
Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Proven experience in disability and inclusion, program management
Knowledge of the disability sector and key bodies
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to build relationships and collaborate across diverse groups
Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the importance of inclusion
Empathy with the aims and values of RDA
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
Computer literate
Desirable Criteria

Experience of project management tools and techniques
Some knowledge of equestrian world
Knowledge of RDA federated structure
Analytical skills to interpret data and assess progress
Experience of working with volunteers
Disability Equalities Lead
Location: RDA National Office (Lowlands Equestrian Centre, Warwickshire)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full time
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Benefits: Competitive

Closing date 27-11-2023

REF-(Apply online only)