Dear RDA UK volunteers and staff,

Just to flag up that this week will be the last in the current series of weekly webinars. I think you’ll agree they have been a hugely valuable asset during these past months, and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has contributed, presented, asked questions, tuned in to watch them live and afterwards on YouTube. We plan to take a Summer break, then resume the series in October. Ad hoc webinars will still take place for specific subjects, and I will trail these as normal in these emails.

Side walkers

A reminder that from this week groups can have 2 side walkers across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and in Level 0 and 1 areas in Scotland. Hand sanitisation for the side walkers and the leader must take place prior to and after the session and both side walkers must wear a face covering at all times when side walking.  The leader must look away from both side walkers and the rider at all times and may also consider wearing a face covering as further mitigation.  The side walkers and leader should aim to be as socially distanced as possible whilst ensuring the rider is supported safely.  All activities should take place outdoors or in a well-ventilated covered arena.

We know this is enabling more groups to plan their restart, and your support is, as ever, hugely appreciated.

The last 30-minute webinar (for now anyway…)

Tomorrow, 24 June, 7pm, Legal Matters

RDA’s Legal Advisor Shivaji Shiva and Chief Executive Ed Bracher will cover some of the legal issues most commonly raised by groups.

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__hBokJPQTtyhoM9SjkskPQ

‘Grand Day Out’

As trailed in Judy Olby’s webinar of last week, we have launched a summer initiative, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, called RDA’s ‘Grand Day Out’. Through the initiative, we will contribute up to £100 to around 50 Groups to take their participants and volunteers on a Day Out (with or without horses!). This project may be particularly beneficial for those groups who have not yet been able to get together since lockdown.  

Deadline to apply is 12 July. Full details here: www.myrda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/holidays/

Data protection & ICO – useful info and watch out for a scam

As you may already know, groups may need to register with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office), and of course all groups should be aware of their data protection responsibilities.

The ICO has a useful self-assessment tool, to help groups decide whether they need to register with them: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/data-protection-fee/self-assessment/

If registration is necessary, the fee for most groups is only £40.

Potential scam

The ICO has recently been writing (legitimately) to organisations that are not yet registered, but also it appears unscrupulous operators have been sending scam letters along similar lines, with links to fraudulent websites.

The correct website for the ICO is: https://ico.org.uk/ . I will be asking groups to look out for this if they receive any communication that is, or appears to be, from ICO.

A reminder that the standard Data Protection policy for RDA groups can be found here: www.myrda.org.uk/assets/RDA-Group-Data-Protection-Policy.pdf

New Carriage Driving weight guidance

The Carriage Driving weight guidance has been updated. I will let you know once it is available to download. In the meantime, if you have any questions or queries about this, please contact your Regional Carriage Driving Rep in the first instance.

 
Anne Birkmyre memorial

Due to the continued Covid restrictions, the memorial service due to be held on June 28 in memory of Anne Birkmyre has now been postponed until September, the new date is yet to be confirmed.

Regional Treasurer South

A reminder that we are looking to fill this important regional role. If you are interested, please contact Regional Chair Frances Lochrane flochrane@btinternet.com

 

Best wishes,

Caroline

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