The RSCDS's role and responsibilities
The RSCDS is a membership-based charitable organisation dedicated to the promotion of Scottish Country Dancing and its music. It is also a company limited by guarantee.
The grass roots of the RSCDS are its subscribing members who, through the delegates appointed to represent them, play an important part in shaping the direction the RSCDS takes. They determine who sits on the Management Board and Committees and hold its members to account in General Meetings of the RSCDS held in Scotland.
Most members join through a local or regional branch. Each branch is broadly independent; with its own elected committee and governance structure and delegates are elected or appointed to represent each branch at the AGM.
From its beginnings the RSCDS has been imbued with a profound sense of mission, to promote traditional Scottish Country Dancing and its music. In all of that it has achieved considerable success.
As the RSCDS approaches the start of its second century it is required to take account of societal changes, but also, with encouragement from modern charity law and regulation, to remain true to its outward-facing history working for the promotion of its clearly defined charitable objects.
What are the means by which the RSCDS works to meet its charitable objects?
Corporate governance is the system by which businesses and other organisations are directed and controlled.
The structure which delivers the RSCDS's governance is important.
“Good governance matters because it underpins successful organisations."*
Good governance is, however, more than a simple hierarchical structure but rather depends on a series of fundamental principles appropriate to any organisation operating in the public realm.
- ORGANISATIONAL PURPOSE - A well-run board is clear about the purpose and values of the organisation and how it will achieve its aims.
- LEADERSHIP - A well-run board is clear about its role and responsibilities, and provides strategic direction in line with the organisation’s purpose, vision and values.
- BOARD BEHAVIOUR - A well-run board, both collectively and individually, embraces and demonstrates mutual respect, integrity, openness and accountability.
- CONTROL - A well-run board will develop and implement appropriate controls to direct and oversee progress and performance of the organisation.
- EFFECTIVENESS - A well-run board understands its role, powers and duties and works collectively and proactively, to achieve its organisational purpose.
The evident adherence by a board to the principles of good governance provides reassurance to its stakeholders in general and inspiration to its members.
