British Dressage (BD) is delighted to announce Sue Harrison as the new Regional & Volunteer Manager, a pivotal new role in the Senior Management Team at headquarters. Sue will be familiar to the dressage world as the current Regional Development Officer (RDO) for Wales and therefore has first-hand experience of the regional structure and the challenges faced by BD’s officers in the field. Sue starts her new role on 1 January 2016 and the recruitment process for a new Welsh RDO is underway.
BD Chief Executive Jason Brautigam commented; “We had over 40 applications for this position and interviewed eight candidates in total, many of whom had a good understanding of working with volunteers in a regional or development role in other sports. However, Sue was by far the outstanding candidate, demonstrating the leadership qualities that will be necessary for this role, as well as displaying a real vision for the opportunities that exist in the regions to build on the successes to date and make further improvements in key areas.”
“The appointment of a Regional & Volunteer Manager will help us increase communication between the regions and head office, share best practice across the country and ensure that we achieve greater consistency in our approach across all regions, as well as give greater recognition and support to our volunteers,” he added.
Before joining BD as an RDO, Sue worked for Britain’s largest man management advisory body, running a regional team, organising courses and conferences throughout the UK. Mother of two, Sue has been with BD for ten years and has seen the role grow from 14 hours per week to full time, five venues are now 13 and a huge growth in members (146%) and team success.
On her appointment Sue said; “It’s been a difficult decision to give up my role as RDO as it’s something I have thoroughly enjoyed. I’m so fortunate to have such a great region with so many fantastic members which has made my role so enjoyable over the years. I’m sure my replacement will ensure that Wales continues to go from strength to strength and I look forward to seeing it develop even further.
“I’m really excited about taking on my new role as Regional & Volunteer Manager. The regional structure works well and I’m excited about working with the RDOs and their regional committees to ensure that we become even more effective whilst continuing to support and meet the needs of our ever growing membership. I am also very keen to ensure that all those who volunteer for BD are acknowledged, feel valued and part of a team. From regional committees through to those who volunteer on a daily basis at venues throughout the UK, it’s vital to our sport that their contribution is recognised.”
Sue’s new full-time Regional & Volunteer Manager role is responsible for the management of the Regional Development Officers, Regional Committees and driving regional activity for BD. She’ll manage our network of 200+ volunteers in the regions, to provide them with additional support and facilitate greater communication between representatives and employees across the organisation. Sue will be a regular visitor at BD’s head office in Meriden but it’s anticipated much of her time will be out in the eight regions. The role of RDO for Wales has been advertised on the British Dressage website and applications close on 10 December 2015