top of page

VOTE ON REGISTRATION

ESDS is currently an unincorporated organisation.

 

In 2027, we will hold a vote on whether to register as a formal organisation (e.g. a Charity).​

​

Why register as a formal organisation?

​

  • Duty of Care. Registration would impose statutory requirements upon us to protect our members' privacy and safety.

  • Funding. Grant funding usually requires a registered body; many require charitable status. Corporate donations and sponsorships are easier to obtain. Infrastructure and assets can be procured for reduced prices. Charities and registered organisations enjoy discounts on the use of Government and Edinburgh City Council resources.

  • Payment. Registration presents an opportunity to regularise any payment of Teachers, DJs, etc.

  • Ownership. Without registration, society funds and assets are legally considered the private property of individuals, posing a significant risk of abuse.

  • Transparency. We will be obliged to report publicly, in a standard, comprehensive format.

  • Liability. Contracts, invoices and leases are currently signed by individuals, who are personally liable if the society can't pay. Insurance is necessarily of specific individuals or events, leaving gaps.

  • Standing. Venues and other suppliers treat a registered organisation as a more reliable counterparty, making it easier to initiate new relationships.

  • Community. There are no registered Swing Dance organisations in Edinburgh, but once one exists, others can operate underneath its legal umbrella, gaining the advantages discussed above.

​

What kind of formal organisation might we become?

 

We're considering registering as one of the following:

  • Charity (specifically a Two-tier Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, SCIO)

  • Limited Company registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)

  • Community Interest Company (CIC)

  • Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) 

​

What are the drawbacks of registration?

​

  • The transition will occupy 2-3 Committee members for several months.

  • More annual administration. Our Financial reports and AGM reports will need to meet specific legal standards (but we won't need to hire an accountant).

  • Directors / Trustees will be publicly listed. This can have an impact on credit ratings and other background searches.

​

How will the vote be organised?

​

Members will be invited to vote on a specific motion, with the wording TBD. Voting will be completed online. Each member will get one vote. The vote will open in 2027, likely in May, and will close at the start of our AGM, likely in June.

​​

If a simple majority of members vote in favour, the motion will pass. If the motion passes, the Committee will execute the incorporation over the 2027 Summer break, becoming Trustees, Directors or similar (depending on the specific legal model used, unless individual committee members opt out).​

bottom of page