Dear RDA UK volunteers and staff,

I do hope that next Monday brings those of you in England a much needed sense of progress and a degree of freedom – and for others a signal that the easing of restrictions is on its way, if not immediately then soon.

 
 

COVID-19 Update

From 19 July, legal COVID-19 restrictions are being removed in England. We have considered what this means both for restarted groups and those looking to get going in the next few weeks and months. Our Director of Operations, Anna Hall, has recorded a webinar looking at how the changes will affect groups, available at: https://youtu.be/acRv03KNkLY . We will also be updating the Road to Restart page on www.myrda.org.uk in time for 19 July.   

 
 

Grand Day Out

We are delighted to have received many applications for up to £100 support for Grand Days Out and we will be contacting groups shortly to let them know which have been successful. There are some great ideas in these applications, including a shared picnic lunch with participants and their families, a visit to an ice cream parlour, outdoor games, treasure hunt as well as a group having miniature Shetlands come to visit and even a trip on a horse drawn canal boat!  We are now pleased that we are able to open this opportunity to more groups on a first come, first served basis. They can apply at www.myrda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/holidays . All Grand Days Out must be taken by 26 September 2021. 

 
 

New Safeguarding leaflet available on Group Orders

‘An Introduction to Safeguarding in RDA’ is a new leaflet designed to replace the old ‘Quick Guide to Safeguarding’. It is an overview of what safeguarding means in RDA, with some useful hints and guidance to help volunteers understand this difficult subject.

It is primarily aimed at new volunteers to RDA, and will eventually form part of their Green Card training. That said, the information is relevant to all and can be used as a reference guide for those already in RDA. It’s really important that everyone understands the significance of safeguarding and the role they play in that process.

The leaflet is available to order through the Group Orders website at https://grouporders.rda.org.uk/product/an-introduction-to-safeguarding-in-rda and will be sent out with accompanying guidance notes. There may initially be a maximum order limit per group until we can assess demand.

Any questions email Laura Cartwright lcartwright@rda.org.uk

 
 

Opportunities for ID riders

RDA has been working with UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disabilities and Virtus World Intellectual Impairment Sport, to allow competitors who are placed in the top three in our ID classes at Regional Qualifiers the chance to be classified with UKSA and compete in the Virtus Virtual Global Dressage Championships. Regional Organisers and Dressage Reps have been made aware of competitors who have been selected to be considered for classification. For more information contact ebayliss@rda.org.uk or visit Call for GB Entries to 2021 Virtus Para Dressage Championships – UK Sports Association

 
 

Reminder: Introductory Offer to join Equestrian Employers Association

The Equestrian Employers Association provides support, resources and advice to employers in the equestrian industry. They provide a number of templates that groups who employ staff can use, such as a Contract Creator, Staff Handbook Creator, Health and Safety toolkit and Code of Good Employment as well as information on pensions and payroll to help you to be a compliant and Good Employer. They also have an employment advice helpline.  In addition they have useful information and templates for those who need to have a Riding Establishments Licence.  They are offering a special introductory rate to RDA groups signing up for the first time of £37.50 per year compared to the usual £49.50. Please note this discount does not apply if you are already a member and please do not pass this on as this offer does not apply to anyone outside of RDA or with Accessibility Mark accreditation.

6 groups have already taken up the offer. One group said: “We used them for advice regarding a pregnant worker to ensure we are doing everything correctly and they were prompt and helpful.”

More details here: https://equestrianemployers.org.uk/homeRDA

Best wishes,

Caroline

Caroline Ward
Head of Communication & Insight, RDA UK
01926 405968
cward@rda.org.uk