Abingdon RDA - Volunteering with us. Volunteering is the back bone of RDA.   Without our marvellous army of voluntary members there would be no riding, and we are extremely grateful to them all for the many hours they give us -  some driving long distances and others coming several times a week.  All voluntary helpers receive training when they first join us, and we continue to train them to the level that they wish to attain. Some enjoy side-walking only, whereas others wish to learn to tack up, and do more with the horses.  Some go onto being Instructors with the Group. We have many classes each week, both during the day and in the evenings and on Saturday mornings, so from the time point-of-view, there is plenty of choice.   RDA is fun and it is wonderful to see what it does for our riders.” All volunteers must have Enhanced DBS certificate that is less than 3 yeas old. Under current legislation this has to be organised from within the group, unless the applicant has subscribed to the Update Service. We are in urgent need for volunteers to help with mucking out (evening or morning) and general yard duties.  Please contact us if you can help. Special request: We have 2 brilliant volunteers who check and feed our ponies every Sunday.  Are you able to add your name to the list in the tack room to offer  emergency cover if our regulars are ill or on holiday? Please read the notes below and if you are still keen to join us, please complete this form and email it back to us. Coaches - booklets for the Green Card Booklet with Associated Training - download here Booklet An Introduction to Safeguarding - download here Health & Safety Guidelines   RDA Policies - Safe Guarding in RDA National Office Safe Guarding Policy for Adults: https://www.myrda.org.uk/assets/Safeguarding-Adults-at-Risk-Policy-2022.pdf Ntaional Office Safe Guarding Policy for Children: https://www.myrda.org.uk/assets/Safeguarding-Children-Policy-2022.pdf Your Safeguarding officer is Karen Stubbs Adults at risk will be handled by local Adult Social Services Children and Young People call NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk National Office 01926 492915

Link to our group Safeguarding policy

Safeguarding means protecting adults at risk, children and young people from harm, abuse or neglect.  Working together we can make RDA a safe place - with everyone’s wellbeing at the forefront of what we all do. 10 Golden Rules of Safeguarding 1. Safeguarding is for all of us - it is there to keep you and your participants safe. 2. In all areas of life, including RDA, individuals can and do share information about Safeguarding issues (a disclosure) which we must act on. 3. Make sure you know who your Safeguarding Officer is, and how to contact them. 4. Pass on any concerns you have to your Safeguarding Officer, how ever small they may seem. 5. Ensure that you read and understand you group’s Safeguarding policy 6. Ensure you are always with someone else or in sight and hearing when you are with a child, young person or adult at risk. 7. Only make physical contact with others when absolutely necessary or specifically requested to do so.  Always seek permission first. 8. Keep your self safe on-line and make sure that all on-line interactions are appropriate.  As an adult it is not appropriate to have social media friendships with a child, young person or adult at risk. 9. If you have to communicate with a child, young person or adult at risk, make sure that a 3rd person is always included in all messages. 10. Treat everyone equally with respect and dignity. How to deal with a Safeguarding concern… NO ACTION IS NOT AN OPTION! You must act on any concerns, either made directly to you or from things that you have noticed.  If something seems wrong, pass it on. • Listen > If someone confides in you, let them talk and don’t interrupt.  Do this in a safe place where you can be seen but not overheard as information is confidential. • Pass it on > Tell them you can’t keep it a secret and must pass it on. • Act fast > Don’t delay acting on the information or concern.  Take immediate action. • Tell someone > Tell the Group Safeguarding officer or if they are not available choose one responsible adult in the group. • Be Discreet > Safeguarding concerns are confidential and should not be discussed between others within the group.  Only tell the Group Safeguarding Officer or one responsible adult. • Write it down > Write down exactly what was said to you in their exact words before you forget, as you will be asked for a report of the information provided (disclosure). Make sure you sign it and include the date and time. Health & Safety See RDA National Office H&S policy which we abide to https://www.myrda.org.uk/assets/Health-and-Safety-Policy-2022.pdf Abingdon Group policies/Assessments Risk Assessment Session Risk Assessment Health & Safety Here are the H&S Guidelines  Please be sure to download and read this. In addition, here is a brief reminder of some of our safe practices. Accidents - minor accidents to be documented in the diary.  Major accidents to be recorded in the accident book by the coach, trustee or yard manager. Riddor reporting for accidents involving volunteers - Guidelines Riddor reporting for accidents involving employees or contractors - Key definitions Chemicals/cleaning materials - all toxic materials to be kept locked up when not in use. Clear - paths and floor areas of any obstructions/obstacles. Dogs -No loose dogs when any RDA client is on site (whether mounted or not).  Please see note for detailed rules. Doors - Indoor school doors to be unlocked but shut when classes are active.  Fire - In case of fire, evacuate and assemble at far end of car park.  Fire extinguishers are available.  If safe to do so, remove horses from stalls and put in fields. Call fire brigade.  Ring bell on outside wall of tack room. Footwear - Wear stout sensible shoes or boots that are suitable for the weather conditions.  Steel toe caps are discouraged. Gates - Outdoor school gates to be shut when class is active. Hygiene - During pandemic strict hygiene to be observed.  Toilet and kitchen facilities to be clean. Jewelry - all worn at your own risk.  Beware of the damage /injury that some rings/bracelets/watches can do when supporting riders. Medication - no medication for people or animals to be accessible.  Please keep vital medication with you or lock it up in your car or a cabinet.  Do not leave it in an unattended bag in the tack room.  All horse/pony medication to be locked away when not being administered. Machinery - Do not use any machinery unless you have been trained and assessed. Mounting/dismounting - doors to be shut during this activity.  Guidance from coach to be observed. Protective clothing - You are advised to wear hats when in the stables. You are advised to wear gloves when leading or lunging.  Footwear, sturdy footwear suitable for weather conditions advised. Steel toe caps are not advised. Gloves are advised when pulling weeds and ragwort. if you do not wish to do any of this, it is at your own risk. Ropes - Never wrap a rope around your hand or fingers. Tethering - Always tie horses up to string that will break in an emergency. Use quick release knot. Tetanus - you are advised to keep your vaccinations up-to-date. Link to National Office Policies - guidelines for all RDA groups. Link to The Essentials of RDA Membership  

Abingdon RDA

Offering riding opportunities to disabled people in Oxfordshire and beyond.