We love Scottish country dancing and its music, and we want everyone to enjoy it in a welcoming, friendly and respectful environment. Whether you are taking your first steps or have been dancing for years, you should feel safe, valued and comfortable at every RSCDS event.
We are committed to an inclusive community where everyone is treated with kindness and respect. Harassment, bullying and inappropriate behaviour have no place in our activities. By attending an RSCDS event in any capacity — as a dancer, teacher, musician, volunteer, committee member or guest — you agree to follow this Code of Conduct and help create a positive experience for all.
As a worldwide organisation, we bring together people from different cultures, backgrounds and traditions. While the principles in this Code may seem straightforward, social norms and expectations can vary across countries and communities. By setting out clear standards, we create a shared understanding of acceptable behaviour, helping everyone feel welcome, respected and included.
This Code of Conduct outlines those standards and the values we share as a global Scottish country dancing community.
At the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, we believe Scottish Country Dancing is at its best when everyone feels welcome, respected and able to take part with confidence. We are committed to creating environments where people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities and experience levels can enjoy dancing, learning and making connections in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect.
This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour we expect from everyone attending RSCDS activities and events. It reflects our values and helps ensure that every participant can enjoy Scottish Country Dancing in a positive, safe and supportive atmosphere.
Together, we can continue to build a community where people feel valued, personal boundaries are respected, differences are celebrated, and everyone can enjoy the music, friendships and traditions that make Scottish Country Dancing so special.
Under UK law anyone under 18 is considered a child and any organisation offering activities for children must have a child protection/safeguarding policy.
The RSCDS strongly believes that children and young people should be encouraged to take part in Scottish Country Dancing and subscribes to the following principles:
Under 18s are welcome to attend RSCDS events and to take part in our activities. There are two scenarios under which this is possible; Attending without their parent/guardian or attending with their parent/guardian.
Option 1: Under 18s without parents/guardians.
At some of our events/activities (e.g. Spring Fling, Junior Summer School) under 18s attend partially or fully without their parent/guardian. Each of these events has a full Child Protection Policy and Procedures in place. The details of our Child Protection Policy and Procedures can be found on our website (link).
As part of this Policy, at least one Event Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer (CWPO) will be identified. Should you see, hear or have any concerns regarding under 18s, please contact the Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer for the event or, if unavailable the RSCDS CWPO ([email protected]). The volunteers (Welcome desk, Refreshments etc) or any committee member will point you in the right direction.
Option 2: Under 18s attend events/activities with their parent/guardian.
At some events under 18s may only attend with their parent/guardian (e.g. Autumn Gathering, Summer School). At these events the RSCDS is not responsible for their supervision while the child is attending, competing, dancing or spectating.
Should any under 18s not be attending with their parent/guardian, but with an organised group (e.g. their branch, club etc), then that organisation is expected to have their own child protection policy and procedures, including parental permission and background checked, appropriately trained adults (responsible adult), in line with Sport Scotland’s Standards for Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport. The RSCDS website (link) contains our Standards and templates to support Branches with putting this into practice.
The parent/guardian/responsible adult is responsible for ensuring that any under 18 is appropriately supervised at all times. Please note that while attending class, performing, dancing etc themselves, a parent/guardian/responsible adult cannot be responsible for a child (unless that child is also a full participant). The relevant parent/guardian/responsible adult must ensure appropriate alternative supervision arrangements are made. For groups with under 18s not accompanied by parents/guardians, this will require having multiple approved responsible adults. For parents/guardians this could be an informal arrangement with a friend/other parent. Please ensure that all parties (child/young person; parent/guardian/lead responsible adult; and the new responsible adult) are aware who is responsible at any given time.
A note on private spaces (e.g. changing rooms): Please ensure that at no time are under 18s in a private space with other people without their parent/guardian or responsible adult. Responsible adults must ensure you are never alone with the under 18s in your care.
A note on video/photography: Please avoid taking videos/photographs solely of under 18s unless you are either their parent/guardian or have their parent/guardians’ permission. Where photos/videos include under 18s (or persons you could reasonably assume to be under 18), please do not share these on social media/other public platforms without the permission from the parent/guardian.
Should any person attending the event see, hear or have any concerns regarding under 18s, please contact the Safer Spaces volunteer(s) for the event. The volunteers (Welcome desk, Refreshments etc) or any organising committee member will point you in the right direction.
If you are injured and require medical attention or if you feel unsafe or threatened and would like to make the organisers aware of inappropriate behaviour, visit the event organiser or safer spaces volunteer.
If you would like to make a complaint or pursue a concern, please contact: Jon Berridge (Chief Operating Officer) on [email protected] or if you would rather speak to a woman please contact Katie Haigh (CWPO) on [email protected]. If Jon or Katie consider the situation to be more serious than their experience can deal with, the RSCDS will take appropriate action to refer the issue to appropriate professionals and act on their guidance.
The Equality Act of 2010 outlines the definition of sexual harassment under UK law.
We strongly encourage anyone who has experienced any sexual harassment to report it to the police. The official advice in Scotland is to dial 999 for an emergency and 101 for non-emergencies. You can also report a crime online at any time via Police Scotland’s website (scroll down for Online Reporting Forms) and it can be at any time after the offence has happened.
If you would like impartial advice, we recommend contacting an organisation such as one of the below:
(above lifted from Police Scotland Website)
The RSCDS is serious about creating and operating in safe spaces, where everyone is free to enjoy Scottish dance without fear of harassment or discrimination of any kind. This document is a guide for Teachers, Musicians, Committees and Volunteers on dealing with misconduct.
Misconduct: advice for Teachers, Musicians, Committees and Volunteers
These procedures describe how the Code is applied when we are notified that someone may have breached the Code.
