Progress Update and Announcement of Independent Review

As part of our ongoing commitment to openness, and in the best interest of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), the Board today announces an independent review into recent events.

On 23 March 2023, the board of RDA received a formal complaint from a group of volunteers. In the days following, the newly arrived CEO, Kathryn England, and then the chair of trustees, Rachel Medill, resigned.

On Friday, 31 March, several members of the Board met representatives of the complainants to better understand their concerns.

Having reviewed the complaint, subsequent events and the results of the meeting the Board has resolved to commission an external review of the key issues raised by the complaint and subsequent resignations, so that independent recommendations can be made. Further information on the scope of the review will be made available once it has been finalised. Meanwhile, the Board has committed to publishing the central findings and acting on them.

Frances Lochrane, Acting Chair, said: “The Board is absolutely committed to upholding the highest standards and values of RDA. We are commissioning an independent review of recent events to help us identify the steps required to take RDA forward in a way that best serves RDA as a whole and our ongoing work providing life-changing experiences for disabled children and adults across the UK.”

“In line with our code of conduct and commitment to excellence, we believe that openness is the best way forward for all involved in RDA. This is why we have decided on an independent review. We will update on the scope of the review once it is agreed, and we will publish the central findings. Given the importance of this work, we encourage all those with an interest in RDA to respect and support the review. We recognise that people will have questions. However, we do not believe it would be right to comment further at this point, as it would be wrong to influence or prejudge the findings.”

“We would once again like to thank our staff, supporters and volunteers for their commitment to delivering exceptional support to our participants and member groups.”

The recent departures were significant, and the complaint is something the Board has taken very seriously. The Board originally self-referred concerns raised through our formal complaints process. Having subsequently received a formal complaint, met the complainants to understand their concerns and considered the issues carefully, the Board is now commissioning an independent review to be led by the investigations team at Narrow Quay HR*. The Board remains absolutely committed to taking RDA forward as a stronger organisation. This approach reflects the desire of the Board to learn any and all lessons that enable it to navigate challenges and deliver a successful future.

RDA will keep everyone informed of the review process and ensure transparency of its central findings. We will provide an update on the scope of the review once finalised. RDA has kept its regulator informed of these issues over the past few months and continues to do so.

RDA remains solid and financially stable. We remain focussed on delivering business as usual, and continual improvement to the services and support we provide. Our overarching mission is alive and well, and we’ll continue to support our amazing network of 438 Groups delivering life changing impact to the disabled community.

*Narrow Quay HR is the trading name of Narrow Quay Consulting Limited, the investigations and HR consulting arm of legal services group VWV, which includes Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP, the law firm responsible for providing RDA with legal support. Narrow Quay Consulting Limited is a distinct legal entity, which operates separately from Veale Wasbrough Vizards to run independent investigations using clearly delineated systems and teams.’

ENDS

Notes
• There is no further comment at this stage
• We have kept our regulator informed of these issues over the past few months and continue to do so.

It is with great sadness that we announce the separate resignations of both Kathryn England, CEO and Rachel Medill, Chair of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). We know that this news will come as a shock to many of you, particularly given Kathryn’s recent appointment and it clearly creates a challenge for all of us within RDA.

Over the past few months, it has become increasingly apparent that there has been a significant difference of opinion and concern around changes that have been made and the approach to change taken within RDA over the past couple of years. Unfortunately, although for varying reasons, this difference of opinion has led to the decisions by both Kathryn, last week, and subsequently Rachel this week, to step down. The Board is now considering the issues at hand with urgency and developing an action plan. The Board is committed to understanding this challenge in full and to learn any lessons about how we take RDA forward. We will keep everyone informed of developments.

In the meantime, we are looking to appoint Neil Goldie-Scot as the Interim Chair and have asked Lincoln Clarke to pick up leadership responsibility in the meantime. We are holding a Board meeting on Thursday and will update on progress on Friday.

Neil Goldie-Scot, prospective Interim Chair, said: “This is a very difficult day for RDA and it is incredibly sad that we are losing Kathryn England and Rachel Medill. We want to recognise the incredible work and commitment of our staff and volunteers and we want to apologise to all of you for the concern this is causing. As a Board we are absolutely committed to resolving our differences  and building solid foundations for the future, and we will learn from any issues raised. RDA remains an incredible organisation and we will get through this difficult period to ensure we can continue to deliver our mission and support so many people who benefit from the work we do.”

Kathryn England said: “It is with huge regret that I have resigned as Chief Executive Officer of RDA UK. You all know that I took up this role with real pride and enthusiasm. However, I have decided that I am not the person to take the organisation forward at this time. I have met with the Board who, whilst are deeply saddened by my decision, have listened at length and taken my feedback seriously and I am pleased to hear that they are taking forward an action plan.”

Rachel Medill said: “After nearly 2 years it is with great sadness that I have informed the Board of Trustees of my decision to resign as chair of RDA UK. I joined at a time of great challenge in the aftermath of the pandemic but also of great opportunity as the organisation looked to increase its number of participants.  I’m proud of the steps we took to build a foundation for its long term future and I hope that the forward looking approach the board has taken will continue.

“I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary nature of RDA – it improves the lives of thousands of people every day through the efforts of over 13,000 people.  It has been a privilege and a pleasure to meet so many of these inspiring people and I wish the organisation every success in the future.”  

ENDS

Notes

• There is no additional comment at this stage
• We have informed our President, HRH Princess Anne
• Over the course of today we are informing staff and volunteers within the RDA family, and our key stakeholders
• We have also kept our regulator informed of these issues over the past few months and continue to do so.

A rewarding role for an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced person. To take the lead on day to day yard duties working with a small team of coaches/grooms and lots of volunteers. A good interest in RDA is vital although coaching training can be given. Ideally the applicant will have BHS Level 3 or equivalent and be keen to coach RDA riders of all levels. You will be involved in training and organising new volunteers along with increasing rider numbers. Plenty of schooling/hacking etc of all horses and ponies for the right applicant. Possibility of own horse. 5 day week with one day working at the weekend. 8am – 5.30pm. live in role with some late checks to be done. Sorry but no pets in accommodation. This is a fun and rewarding working environment – sense of humour is essential along with a real can do attitude.

More information can be found here: https://www.yardandgroom.com/Job/UK/Hertfordshire/Head-Girl-Lad/399644

We have vacancies for 2 regional Volunteer Recruitment Coordinators within the Yorkshire region. 

To view the job description, click here

Deadline for applications 5th October 2022

A vacancy has arisen within the Yorkshire Region to pilot an approach over a 6 month period to stimulate growth in numbers of participants in RDA activities in the North East and South Yorkshire Region.

To view the job description, click here

Deadline for applications 5th October 2022