Future Plans

The general strategic direction for RDA is defined in the current strategic plan.
The most important specific objectives for 2007/8 are::

The Support and Development of Member Groups and Volunteers

To implement the volunteer development plan, improving the ability of Groups to recruit/retain volunteers.
To consolidate progress in the training of RDA Instructors and coaches through launching the UK Coaching Certificate and producing a national training plan.
To expand the “Certificate in Community Volunteering” awards for volunteers.
To provide increased support for Member Group trustees through the “governance roadshow”.
To launch the supporters’ membership system to improve communication with both supporters and volunteers.
To develop an improved system for starting new Groups and consider the level of support to these Groups from RDA National.
To continue to improve contact between RDA National and Groups and for all National Office staff to visit Member Groups.
To continue to improve contact between RDA National and Groups and for all National Office staff to visit Member Groups.

The Support and Development of Participants

To further improve the representation of riders/drivers on key RDA committees.
To develop a plan to promote and increase holidays.
To conduct a thorough review of the RDA proficiency tests.
To research the possibility of an educational award for primary-school aged students.

The support of the specific disciplines within RDA

To continue to bring developments in carriage driving more in line with those in riding, in particular through the development of a coach’s resource; an improved inspection system; and by including Driving Coaches in the general Coaching Conference.
To promote the awareness of side-saddle riding

Additional Activities

To establish a more robust system of Regional financial management, based around centralised funds and a more comprehensive reserves policy to take into account the needs of Regions.
To launch the Support Co-ordinators pilot scheme in the North of England.
To deliver the RDA National Conference in Belfast.
To implement a targeted plan of building links with a greater number of corporate supporters and other organisations with similar interests.
To maintain a strong representation at major events.
To move the National office to new premises. ·