Here you’ll find the key documents and updates that explain how the RSCDS is governed, supported and moving forward—from our constitution and policies to annual reports, strategic plans and opportunities to get involved.
If 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.
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.
Go to Articles of Association
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.
Go to Rules & procedures
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.
Go to Licence agreement
For more information on the Licence Agreement, please get in touch with the RSCDS Office.
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.
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.
In order to develop Scottish Country Dancing worldwide for the benefit of present and future generations the RSCDS has written a plan that outlines strategic aims and objectives we find crucial to the growth of the RSCDS.
Strategic Plan 2025-2029 updates
We’re excited to share a quick update on the progress of our Society’s new Strategic Plan for 2025–2029!
After the Management Board approved the first draft on February 22, we sent the plan out to all members, along with a survey to gather your thoughts and suggestions. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey and share such thoughtful feedback—you’ve given us some fantastic ideas to consider!
In addition to the survey, we also hosted four Zoom sessions in March for members who wanted to discuss the plan in more detail. These sessions were lively and engaging, and we really appreciated the honest conversations and fresh perspectives that came out of them.
We’ve now carefully reviewed all your input and are working hard to refine the Strategic Plan so it truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our community. Our goal is to present a final version to the Management Board in July. Once it’s approved, we’ll share the completed plan with all members so everyone can see what’s ahead.
We’ve also made sure that individual comments from members have reached the right people—such as Convenors, Working Group Chairs, and others—so your ideas can help shape their ongoing activities.
Thank you once again for being such an important part of this process. Your involvement is making a real difference, and we’re committed to putting this new Strategic Plan into action. We’ll be sure to keep you updated along the way!
With appreciation,
Sebastian Wanless (Chair-Elect)
on behalf of the Management Board
Aim 1 - To promote Scottish Country Dance and related dance forms as a living tradition offering inclusive, healthy and exciting activities and enable enjoyable and high-quality Scottish country dance opportunities for all ages and abilities worldwide.
Aim 2 - To build the capacity and networking of branches and other dance groups who share our aims, to help them grow and deliver SCD activity more effectively.
Aim 3 - To maintain and develop high quality of teaching of Scottish country dance and music, including the development of dance and music for all ages and abilities.
Aim 4 - Strengthen and improve the RSCDS, including its governance and long-term financial viability, to enable it to deliver on the above aims.
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 in the library 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.
