Volunteering with RDA
Volunteering FAQs
Do I need to know anything about horses?
No! RDA provides training for all its volunteers depending on the role you undertake. If you work with a Group helping around horses or on a session you will receive training before commencing your role. All Groups provide ongoing training for their volunteers on an annual or quarterly basis.
I’ve never done anything like this before, do I need experience?
No not necessarily! RDA has many different types of roles on offer from administrative to coaching riders, from fundraising to making tea. The majority of these roles do not need any experience, although if you do have experience and skills in a particular area we would still love to hear from you!
I work full time, am I still able to volunteer?
Although the majority of RDA Groups operate throughout the day, some do offer sessions at weekends or in the evenings which still require volunteers.
Do I need to make a regular commitment to volunteering?
a) Volunteering with a Group - The majority of Groups offer sessions during term times on a weekly basis. Groups would therefore like volunteers to be committed to a weekly slot; however they appreciate in many cases this is difficult.
b) Volunteering with RDA National – roles within RDA National tend not to be riding session focused, and many roles can be undertaken from home in your own time. Therefore RDA National asks volunteers to commit to what you feel you can realistically achieve and let us know as soon as possible if this changes. To find out more about the commitment RDA National makes to its volunteers click here.
At particular times throughout the year RDA requires volunteers for one off events. If you do not wish to make a regular commitment contact us about these one off events.
How old do I have to be before I can volunteer?
Volunteers have to be 12 or over. There is no upper age limit.
What about insurance?
RDA provides all volunteers with liability and personal accident insurance cover whilst they are volunteering with the organisation.
Would I be asked to complete a CRB disclosure check?
Yes. All RDA volunteers are required to undergo a disclosure check as they will be volunteering with vulnerable adults and children. From July 2010 volunteers will also need to be registered with the VBS. RDA can carry out these checks for you.
I’d like to volunteer, but am trying to find a job at the moment – shouldn’t I just focus on that?
If you’re trying to get a job, volunteering can be a great way to employment or to even change the direction of your career. Don’t forget to always put any volunteering experience on your CV. it may give you that little edge over other applicants – you’ll definitely have more to talk about in an interview!
A survey carried out by Timebank through Reed Executive showed that among 200 of the UK’s leading businesses:
- 73% of employers would employ a candidate with volunteering experience on their CV over one without.
- 94% of employees who volunteered to learn new skills had benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary or being promoted
How do I find out about opportunities in my area?
Complete the online volunteer enquiry form and we will reply providing you with detail of RDA Groups in your area. Call RDA on 0845 658 1082 to be put in touch with a representative in your local area.
If you would like to know more about the particular roles we have on offer at RDA please click here.
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