APPLICATION FOR BOARD DIRECTOR POSITION: COMPANY SECRETARY NAME: GILL MOULD About Gill I have been a volunteer at Cotswold RDA for over just over 2 years and a trustee for the last year. Prior to joining Cotswold RDA, I was Corporate Communications Manager for Kraft Foods Europe focusing on internal and external communications. Focusing specifically on developing internets, internal communication tools such as newsletters, emails, print etc.

Achievements 2014 1. Development of design, structure and content of new website 2. Development of new communications emails, newsletters. 3. Governance – instigated Incorporation status, new job descriptions, new job contracts, new employee annual review process. 4. Led strategy meeting with Trustees to development Cotswold RDA new Vision, Purpose and Values. 5. Put forward proposal for new IT systems to include centralised new volunteer and rider databases to ensure we are managing our information correctly. Goals for 2015 Governance will play an even more important role in 2015 as become a limited company. Ensuring that we are doing the right thing, following the correct rules and procedures for the charity will be paramount. Build on the communications we have been sending out in 2014 to include a printed newsletter twice a year, so that we don’t rely on just email. Develop new systems where needed to ensure we run efficiently and effectively.

   APPLICATION FOR BOARD DIRECTOR POSITION: COMMUNITY FUND RAISING DIRECTOR NAME: HELEN KINGSCOTT About Helen I joined Cotswold RDA as a volunteer in April 2007 and joined as a Trustee in 2008 year.

Achievements 2014 During 2014 I have been instrumental in raising more than £29,000 from local community projects. Needless to say I couldn’t have achieved this without the ongoing help, support and commitment of our volunteers. To highlight just a few of the events we have organized in 2014. 1. New Years Day bucket collecting 2. Set up an appeal with The Local Answer magazine to raise funds for our new Barn. 3. Auction evening at Whatley Manor. 4. Developed new contacts which resulted in an introduction to Natasha Baker, our Paralympic gold medalist, who is now very keen to help us. 5. We achieved a record breaking 65 people to bucket collect at Gold Cup races. 6. The annual Bridge Lunch 7. The hugely successful Fish n Chips Race Night in November. 8. The stall has been a great success this year, we have visited many events including Cotswold Hunt Summer Fair, Gatcombe Horse Trials, Moreton Show, Condicote Stables Open Day and Cheltenham races. Goals for 2015 One of my key goals in 2015 is to set up a fund raising group or discussion group who are willing to join and discuss how we can continue to raise money throughout the year. Community funding is an important source not just for bringing in much needed funds but also helping to raise awareness, so I will be putting forward a 2015 plan to build on those opportunities we had in 2014 and look to where we can find new outlets.

   APPLICATION FOR BOARD DIRECTOR POSITION: Treasurer NAME: Nick Roach

About Nick I have spent forty years in the Finance Industry working for some of the major Finance Houses and also in some Boutique companies. As a Director in these businesses I had responsibility, among other things, for regulatory and budget controls. I have also acted as Treasurer and Chairman for a number of Charities based in London.

Achievements in 2014 The role of Treasurer is to ensure that budgets are maintained and ensure the financial stability of Cotswold RDA, which have been met with no financial risk. My background within the financial services sector provides me with the expertise to ensure that our finances are managed effectively, and that future projects or additional services are funded correctly. We are required to account for every penny we receive so having the correct systems in place to ensure transparency of all our income is key for our future. Goals for 2015 Introduction of new Accounts system to improve the efficiency of our finances. Introduction of invoicing and reducing cash payments for services to improve security and better manage our cash flow throughout the year.

   APPLICATION FOR BOARD DIRECTOR POSITION: Chairman NAME: Paul McLain About Paul As a Cabinet Member and Councillor for Gloucestershire County Council – Children & Young People and Strategic Commissioning I am ideally positioned to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to help us deliver our new strategic vision over the coming years. In my national role, I serve on the LGA Children’s Board and the VSC Leadership Forum (supporting professional leaders across the public agencies). I am a Trustee of a Gloucestershire based charity supporting children in care. I am married to Heather and have an 11 year old son and foster disabled children. I’ve spent more time than I choose to remember on the end of a shovel in a stable and cleaning tack.

Like many RDA members, I support a variety of other charities. What is absolutely clear is that the entire landscape around charities is changing. The old certainties are gone. Sadly too many charities are struggling and if they don’t adapt they will fall. That can’t and won’t be allowed to happen to Cotswold RDA. We know the amazing impact that riding (and simply contact with a horse or pony) can have. Our current foster daughter is a different person. I recently visited St Vincents and St Georges and spoke to many of their residents. The visit to the RDA was the highlight of their week. Nationally we are seeing the introduction of EHC plans. That will make a huge difference to the way our disabled community are assessed, looking very much more at their needs and improved ‘outcomes’…. Apologies for the jargon! I think that’s a good thing and presents the RDA with a wonderful opportunity to broaden and enrich lives, not just for those with disabilities but across our entire community. That’s why I’m so excited about our proposals for the future and why we’re presenting our vision at the AGM. Your support and input has been, and will continue to be, absolutely vital. Goals for 2015 Our focus will be on restructuring our finances and producing proper revenue and capital budgets. We will also be introducing new systems and processes that will enable us to work more efficiently. Communication will be critical so it is important that we develop effective lines of communications for  members/volunteers/instructors.