Governance

How are we governed?

Research Data Scotland (RDS) is a company limited by guarantee (SC677016) and a not-for-profit independent charitable organisation under the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (SC051305).

Governed by our Board of Directors/Trustees, we are committed to providing our users and the public with accurate and timely information on our actions, policies, decisions, programmes and initiatives. To honour our commitment to transparency and accountability, our Board meeting minutes and terms of reference are published below, along with our Full Business Case and details of our subcommittees. 

Board of Directors/Trustees 

Our Board comprises up to ten charity trustees with additional advisors. It is responsible for the effective governance and development of RDS. The Board meets quarterly and supports RDS's directors in adopting the right long-term strategy and priorities, assesses company performance, monitors key risks and ensures resources are managed effectively.

Finance, Audit and Risk subcommittee 

The Finance, Audit and Risk subcommittee monitors all financial matters, ensures regular review of the company’s internal financial and risk management controls, advises on organisational risks, oversees external audit processes, and reports to the Board on how it has discharged its responsibilities.  

The subcommittee comprises two Board members and, with the agreement of the Board, may co-opt one other member. These three committee members meet with the RDS Charity Operations Director and the RDS Finance Manager in an ex officio capacity. The RDS Business Manager is expected to attend in order to provide up to date information and prepare meeting minutes. The Office Assistant may attend if the Business Manager is unavailable.

Remuneration and Nomination subcommittee 

The Remuneration and Nomination subcommittee holds responsibility for determining the policy for remuneration and all relevant classifications of staff/employees. It also leads the process for appointments, ensures plans are in place for orderly succession to both the Board and senior management positions, and oversees the development of a diverse pipeline for succession.  

The subcommittee comprises three members of the RDS Board, one of whom is the Chair of the Board. The Chair of the Board does not hold the post of Chair of the Remuneration and Nomination subcommittee. The RDS Chief Executive Officer attends meetings of the Remuneration and Nomination subcommittee, but is not present for any discussions about staff remuneration. The RDS Business Manager will also attend Remuneration and Nomination subcommittee meetings.