Job Description

Deputy Project Manager (Equestrian)

Responsible to: Equestrian Project Manager

Payscale: 21 – 25

Description of Role

Under the direction of the Equestrian Project Manager, the Deputy will assume responsibility for the co-ordination of the team and assume full responsibility for the service in the absence of Manager.

The Deputy will be responsible for the daily care of the horses, ensuring they are in good health and fit condition and take the lead role in planning and delivery of riding lessons, cart riding sessions, small animal and stable management programs for deafblind people attending the stables. The Deputy will assume responsibility for recruiting and co-ordinating the work of volunteers to support the work of the Project.

a) To assist in the day to day operations of a responsive, innovative

Equestrian / small animal / land-based work service to people with multiple sensory impairments and/or learning disabilities.

b) To empower deafblind people to access activities as independently as possible with appropriate levels of support.

c) To work within the ethos of Sense, as defined by the Sense I-statements.

d) To be available to attend the site in the event of an emergency, or to reside at the site to cover for the Project Manager’s annual leave.


Specific Responsibilities

1.1 Support the Project Manager to devise an appropriate work pattern for each animal and provide suitable system for management of the same.

1.2 Maintain and adhere to the lesson plans for deafblind people attending the stables.

1.3 Maintain and adhere to the strategic plans for the horse based / small animal / land-based work activities at the stables

1.4 Maintain appropriate reference documentation regarding the horses at the stables

1.5 Liaise with the Project Manager regarding adequate maintenance of buildings, parameter fencing, water supply and grounds.

1.6 Daily removal of soiled bedding

1.7 Daily removal of muck produced in the paddocks and ménage

1.8 Ensure the horses / small animals are cared for to the highest standards.

1.9 Ensure they have constant access to fresh clean water, feed and shelter

1.10 Responsible for the daily exercising of the horses.

1.11 Responsible for the daily grooming and clipping of horses coats as necessary

1.12 Observe the horses / small animals on a daily basis and check for any adverse changes in the their condition

1.13 Liaise with horse care professionals and take appropriate action when required (e.g. vets, farriers etc). Ensure that appropriate action is taken to ensure the wellbeing of small animals (e.g. timely vet’s advice)

1.14 Maintain documentary evidence for accredited education courses for individuals as appropriate.

1.15 Maintain and record documentary evidence for Social Enterprise funding stream as appropriate.

1.16 Ensure highest standards of Health and Safety legislation are adhered to within the stable yard at all times.

1.17 To promote the personal development of team members. To undertake supervisions and annual appraisals. To identify training needs for individuals and teams ensuring those needs are fully met via a career development plan.

1.18 To liaise with other professionals, including inspectors, as representative of the Project Manager and the organisation

1.19 To liaise with support workers from other Sense services to provide a safe environment for deafblind users of the Stables facilities.

1.20 To undertake risk management, following Sense guidelines and procedures

1.21 To actively promote the awareness and practice of an Equal Opportunity policy in all aspects of your employment

1.22 To prepare and adhere to staff rotas in order to ensure effective staffing to carry out the work of the Project

1.23 To assist the project manager in staff payroll and producing monthly hour reports the finance department in readiness for invoicing, as directed by the Project Manager.

1.24 To keep Staff Files and Service User files up to date

1.25 To undertake Stables Project specific induction in addition to Sense induction

1.26 To assist with staff recruitment short listing and interviewing

1.27 To assist in ensuring all staff are fully conversant with organisational policies and procedures.

1.28 To carry out any other duties consistent with the grade of the post

Person Specification

Deputy Project Manager (Equestrian)

Education and Training
Essential Criteria / Desirable Criteria
British Horse Society Stage 3 or equivalent on equestrian pathway or willing to study towards / NVQ Level 3 or
Professional Qualification
Qualification / experience in carriage-driving, or a willingness to learn / To have an understanding of different communication needs when supporting people
Ability to work within a total communication environment
Able to Communicate BSL to at least Stage I level or willing to undertake training
Achievements and Experience
Essential Criteria / Desirable Criteria
Significant experience in working in a stables environment with direct contact with horses / Experience of working with dual sensory impaired adults
A commitment to, and practical experience of, achieving a high standard of animal welfare / Training/qualification in behaviour management
Experience of working with children and adults with multiple disabilities / Experience of recruitment
An understanding of working with people with challenging behaviour / Experience of inspection by external professional bodies
Experience of staff management / Commitment to implement change to improve service standards
Commitment to staff development /
Knowledge of relevant codes of
practice and legislation /
Experience of report writing /
record keeping /
Knowledge and implementation of risk assessments/risk management
Skills & Abilities
Essential Criteria / Desirable Criteria
Proven ability to communicate effectively with people of differing communication levels /
Proven track record of motivating others and string team player
Ability to co-ordinate staff resources to ensure deafblind people’s needs are met
Computer literate
Willingness to work early / late / weekend shifts