Members’ Resolution

ISTD Chief Executive Jon Singleton reports

At a special meeting of Council on Wednesday 17th October 2007 the trustees discussed the implications of the passing of the Members’ Resolution at the EGM earlier in the year having considered the recommendations presented to them at their September Board meeting. This special meeting of Council was necessary to ensure that all the implications had been fully considered before a final decision was made.

The recommendations aimed to ensure that the resolution passed at the EGM was incorporated into the rules and standing orders of the Society in such a manner that the spirit of the resolution was recognised in addition to its literal wording. For example, incorporating it purely in its literal sense would have meant that Dance Sport members who met the criteria of the members’ resolution would not be taken into account by this resolution as no registration scheme existed for them to join.

The trustees agreed that in order to ensure that Dance Sport members could be taken fully into account, it is necessary to amend the rules and standing orders so that full registration applies to all members of the Society. This will result in all Dance Sport members joining the registration scheme if they wish to benefit from the revised rules and standing orders and continue to enter candidates for examination.

Any Dance Sport members who do not wish to be encompassed by the registration scheme should write to the Membership Administrator by 1st February 2008, after which time registration will apply to all members of the Society who wish to enter candidates for examination.

I have written to all Dance Sport members prior to DANCE magazine being published on this matter to ensure that the benefits of this decision are fully explained.

However, I want to assure you that the ISTD Council recognises that in order to fully meet the needs of their members throughout the world a thorough review is necessary of the teaching qualifications, membership rights and criteria for entering candidates for examination. This decision does not alter the existing policy regarding the need for all teachers to hold their Certificate in Dance Education within the European Union by the target date given of 31st December 2010 but it is the first step in ensuring that all members are treated more equitably in the future.

The Council is fully committed to this review, which is already underway, and will involve full consultation with the membership to ensure that future policy takes full account of all views expressed and is in the best interests of the Society as a whole. Any changes made in Council policy will be made against a timetable that is realistic and achievable on a global basis.

Written guidance for those members who believe they are directly affected by the revisions to the rules and standing orders can be obtained by contacting the Education & Training Department.

Jon Singleton, Chief Executive