A body like the RSCDS operates within a significant framework of statutory and regulatory control – and monitoring/oversight – to ensure that the general public and those involved with it can be assured that it is being properly run.
If you, as a member of the RSCDS, would like to stand for election to the Management Board or one of the Management Committees, or would like to seek appointment to one of the appointed posts, details of the nomination procedures can be found on this page.
Articles of Association
The RSCDS is a Scottish Charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee. The Articles are our principal constitutional document. They comply with standards set in company and charity law. Here you will find information about the structure of the RSCDS, the role of general meetings and the responsibilities of the Board.
Rules and procedures
This was prepared with the intention of fleshing out the general legal structure set out in the Articles of Association. It gives guidance in various areas, not least in relation to conduct at General Meetings.
Licence agreement
This is a contract between the RSCDS and individual Branches. Although Branches are largely autonomous, they are required to conduct some of their business in a certain way so that the RSCDS as a whole can function effectively and remain compliant, not least in terms of fulfilling the RSCDS's charitable objects. The Licence obliges the RSCDS to provide certain services in support of Branches, who deliver much of the Society’s charitable work in terms of teaching and promoting Scottish Country Dancing.
For more information on the Licence Agreement please get in touch with the RSCDS office.
Model Branch constitution
Branches can write their own constitution and submit this to the central office for approval. Most Branches will probably find it convenient to adopt the model Constitution with some variations being incorporated to allow for local circumstances.
Trustees annual report & accounts
The RSCDS is obliged to make its trustees report and accounts available to the public. The most recent document can be downloaded by clicking the link below.
Business plan (2017 - 2020)
In order to develop Scottish Country Dancing worldwide for the benefit of present and future generations the RSCDS has written a business plan that outlines strategic aims and SMRT objectives we find crucial to the growth of the RSCDS.
A. Mission
To grow a vibrant worldwide community of Scottish Dance and Music
B. Strategic Aims 2017 – 2020
- To promote Scottish Country Dance and related dance forms as inclusive and exciting activities
- To build the number, capacity and networking of branches and other dance groups who share our Aims, to help them grow and deliver SCD activity
- To maintain and develop high standards of teaching of Scottish Country Dance and music, including the development of dance and music for all ages and abilities
- To enable enjoyable and high quality Scottish Country Dance opportunities for all ages and abilities worldwide
- Strengthen and improve the RSCDS, including its governance and long term financial viability, to enable it to deliver on the above Aims
Download the tacker to view the current progress:
C. The changes / improvements and end results we are aiming to achieve, to meet these Five Strategic Aims above
Aim 1. To promote Scottish Country Dance and related dance forms as inclusive and exciting activities
To achieve this aim we intend to create these changes and end results:
- The RSCDS portrays itself as a fun, sociable, healthy, inclusive and family friendly organisation, in collaboration with its branches
- RSCDS is recognised as a leading organisations for Scottish dance and music in Scotland and internationally
- The general public is aware of the different forms of Scottish dance
- RSCDS works effectively with relevant dance, music and arts organisations in Scotland and internationally
- RSCDS is an internationally relevant and accessible organisation
Aim 2. To build the number, capacity and networking of Branches and other dance groups who share our aims, to help them grow and deliver SCD activity
To achieve this aim we intend to create these changes and end results:
- RSCDS will become the norm for people who want to take part in Scottish Country Dancing, at Branch level.
- There will be an increase in cooperation and mutual support between Branches, Affiliated Groups and other dance organisations
- Branches, Affiliated Groups and members will understand the value of the RSCDS and what membership means / offers
- The RSCDS will recognise the needs and issues worldwide of individual Branches, and tailor services accordingly
- More Branches and Affiliated Groups will join RSCDS
Aim 3. To maintain and develop high standards of teaching of Scottish country dance and music, including the development of dance and music for all ages and abilities
To achieve this aim we intend to create these changes and end results:
- Teaching information resources and materials are widely accessible worldwide
- RSCDS has a comprehensive education system enabling progress for different age groups and abilities
- More young musicians are being trained in Scottish dance music and are progressing into teaching
- RSCDS has dance teachers, music teachers and exam tutors trained throughout the world via accessible and affordable training
- RSCDS promotes a teaching methodology that encompasses both technical and social aspects
Aim 4. To enable enjoyable and high quality Scottish country dance opportunities for all ages and abilities worldwide
To achieve this aim we intend to create these changes and end results:
- RSCDS events throughout the Society welcome families and young people.
- Increased events worldwide target less experienced dancers and beginners.
- The RSCDS will coordinate more international dance events and dance related activities
- RSCDS capitalises on all available sponsorship and funding opportunities.
Aim 5. Strengthen and improve the RSCDS, including its governance and long term financial viability, to enable it to deliver on the above aims
Top change statements:
- RSCDS constitution and structure enables it to be effective and sustainable in the future
- Society operates on a sustainable financial basis and shows clear statements on how the money is spent.
- The RSCDS has reviewed its Management Board and Committees structure to ensure that Management Board sets and drives strategy, Committees deliver strategy within budget and with more effective communications between Management Board, Committees and HQ staff
- RSCDS has polices and systems that recruit board and committee members with appropriate skills and experience and global representation
Policies & procedures
The RSCDS has in place a number of policies and procedures for different aspects of its administration. Some of these are specific to the RSCDS's central management, but others may form a model that will be of use to Branches.
The policies below have all been approved by the Management Board. Additional policies will be posted here as and when they have been presented to and approved by the Board.
Please click on the titles below to open the documents in PDF format:
