Training Development Officer (6-month temporary contract)

Job Advert

Training Development Officer *6-month temporary contract

The Pony Club is ‘the’ starting point for any young person, under the age of 25, who wants to learn how to ride and care for horses and ponies. Membership offers a range of benefits, including training in how to both care for and ride a horse/pony correctly, reinforced by Members taking tests, earning achievement badges, competing individually and in teams; and most importantly making friends and having fun – you don’t need to have your own horse/pony to join! Founded in 1929, The Pony Club now runs across 330 Branches and over 400 Centres in the UK alone, encompassing more than 30,000 Members.

The Pony Club’s objectives are;

  • To encourage young people to ride and to learn to enjoy all kinds of sport connected with horses/ponies and riding.
  • To give instruction in riding and horsemastership and to educate Members to look after and to take proper care of their animals.
  • To promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty and to create strength of character and self-discipline.

As Training Development Officer, you have the opportunity to be involved in the education of the next generation of horse lovers. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real impact and help the organisation and its experienced volunteers and coaches to deliver, nurture and strengthen our Training and Education pathways.

Your role as Training Development Officer will be based at the office in Shrewley, Warwickshire, combined with some remote working from home. You will work closely with a Training Committee full of experienced volunteers to deliver the Training functions of The Pony Club. We are looking for someone who can maintain exceptional levels of service to all stakeholders.

Alongside this, you will need to support the organisation with other ad-hoc tasks and provide general office support where necessary. Attendance at our annual National Championships and other events provides a vital opportunity to engage with volunteers and members.

Your duties will include but will not be limited to:

  1. Support the development of the coaching workforce which includes coaches, young coaches, Branch and Centre officials.
  2. Plan and deliver the annual Coaching Conference with assistance from the Training Committee.
  3. Support when required, the organising and running of additional events and competitions.
  4. Work closely with the Training Chairman and Training Committee, conduct Committee meetings, collate papers and all the associated administrative tasks.
  5. Strategically coordinate and drive development of the training and tests programme.
  6. Support the provision, and development of the Pony Club Coaching Certificate.
  7. Ensure ongoing Quality Assurance across tests and coaching programmes and support the improvement of Quality Assurance work across the UK.
  8. Manage the existing and seek additional coach bursary initiatives.
  9. Promote compliance with The Pony Club health and safety policies and minimum operating standards for Safeguarding.
  10. Ensure an integrated approach across the Pony Club Branches and Centres, alongside key partners from across the Equestrian, Health, Education and Community and Voluntary sectors.
  11. Promote Equality and Diversity and support delivery of all projects across the Development Team.

The ideal candidate will have the following;

  • Have lived experience of The Pony Club tests and training pathways OR detailed knowledge of The Pony Club tests and training pathways
  • Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal
  • Attention to detail
  • Self-motivated and have the ability to prioritise tasks
  • Forward thinking and ‘can do’ attitude
  • Highly organised and efficient in completing tasks
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team

Hours of work:

09.00 – 17.00 Monday- Friday. (Flexibility can be discussed for the right candidate)

There may be evening/weekend work as required by the organisation, time off in lieu will be given where appropriate.

Job Type:

A 6 month, full-time, temporary contract *(with a view to extending for the ideal candidate.)

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Benefits:

Salary between £23,000 – £28,000 depending on experience

Great holiday entitlement – 25 days per year plus public holidays, including Christmas closure Company pension plan and healthcare insurance

Ability to commute:

Our office is in Shrewley, Warwick. Applicants must be able to work in the office for at least 2 days a week. Please send your CV and covering letter by email to HR@pcuk.org

Closing date is 18th November 2024. Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

At The Pony Club we are passionate about our commitment to diversity, inclusion and removing barriers. Should you like to discuss any reasonable adjustments or changes to our recruitment process to support you to be your best then please get in touch. You can get in touch with us either via email at HR@pcuk.org, or if you would prefer a video call then we can arrange this using Microsoft Teams.

The Pony Club holds Togetherness, Empathy, Respect and Learning as our core values. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified, experienced, and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity. We actively embrace our differences and know that it is our differences that make us unique. You are very welcome at The Pony Club, without the need to hide any part of who you are.