Thursday, 11 August 2022
British Equestrian is seeking to conduct a review of Riding for the Disabled Association’s Accessibility Mark project and we’re looking for a a suitably experienced organisation to undertake research services to carry out this review and conduct desk and primary research.
Project aim: To understand how to enhance the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) accessibility mark (AM) so it becomes a ‘must-have’ disability kitemark for customer excellence across the equestrian sector and is financially sustainable.
The RDA launched the AM in partnership the BEF in 2013, as a way of driving participation into equestrianism for disabled adults and children as part of the equestrian legacy of the 2012 London Games. The aim of AM continues to be to encourage more disabled people into the world of horse riding and its therapeutic benefits.
Fifty-seven equestrian centres currently have accessibility mark accreditation. By applying for an accessibility mark, the centre will be able to gain training and advice from RDA (in return for a commercial fee) and once RDA are satisfied that the standards are met, the centre will be awarded their endorsement and will become a centre with AM.
There are an estimated 1,750 centres in the UK who are not RDA AM centres, but might be affiliated to other organisations, e.g. The Pony Club, British Horse Society or Association of British Riding Schools or just licensed through the council. For these centres, the AM will not only will help riding schools to cater better for disabled participants but also build closer links with local RDA Groups and encourage a synergistic relationship between the centre and the group.
As such, this project is a wonderful opportunity to review the AM, in context of sector-wide feedback from centres, riding groups, customers and target audiences alike.
Agency Expertise: Further information relating to the financial profile of AM will be provided to the winning agency at the project kick off meeting. This will highlight the current situation re: funding support and cost base for the project. One of the strategic aims of the project is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the AM in the sector. In addition to having strong research expertise with the target audiences, agencies should also demonstrate their track record in helping organisations develop high quality, commercially sustainable memberships or accreditations in the sport, leisure, or disability sectors.
Tender Requirements: The written tender proposal should include the following:
The ‘Invitation to Tender’ document contains all the information required to complete a tender submission with any questions directed in the first instance to Damian Stevenson, BEF Strategic Lead for Research and Insight, please email damian.stevenson@bef.co.uk. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday 5 September 2022.
Questions to help prepare your tender document can be submitted via Short Stack.
You should also submit your requirements in your proposal outlined in the Tender Requirements section via the link.