Rules Update 2025

Changes to Constitution and Introduction of Supporting Policies

We want to transition from:

  • A constitution that is complex, difficult to understand, and not user-friendly.
  • A constitution that has remained largely unchanged since its development in 2002, making it outdated.
  • A lack of clear, structured policies and procedures, which could lead to inconsistencies in governance.

We want to move to:

  • A simplified and streamlined constitution that is clearer, more meaningful, and accessible to all members.
  • A comprehensive set of supporting policies covering key areas such as Board Membership & Conduct, Disciplinary Procedures, Elections, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, and Social Media Use.
  • Procedures for holding meetings that reflect best practices recommended by Supporters Direct Scotland, ensuring strong and transparent governance.

We believe these changes are required to:

  • Modernise and future-proof the governance of the Raith Supporters Trust.
  • Improve transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in how the Raith Supporters Trust operates.
  • Ensure our rules and policies align with current best practices in supporter-led organisations.

Summary of rule changes:

  • The Society’s Objects are to benefit the community by:
    • being the democratic and representative voice of the supporters of the Club and strengthening the bonds between the Club and the communities which it serves;
    • achieving the greatest possible supporter and community influence in the running and ownership of the Club;
    • promoting responsible and constructive community engagement by present and future members of the communities served by the Club and encouraging the Club to do the same;
    • operating democratically, fairly, sustainably, transparently and with financial responsibility and encouraging the Club to do the same;
    • being a positive, inclusive and representative organisation, open and accessible to all supporters of the Club regardless of their age, income, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexuality or religious or moral belief.
  • Two new sub-clauses would be added to the rules on Membership, requiring members to take an active interest in the Society, and to respect confidentiality of its business decisions.
  • The number of members required to call a meeting of the Society, and to be present at that meeting, would be reduced from 10% of the membership to 5%.
  • The rules regarding the composition of the Society Board would be extensively re-written to make them more easily understood. Detailed wording regarding disciplinary matters, the conduct of board members and the election process would be replaced by references to the proposed side policies.
  • The rules on Indemnity for Directors would be re-written to specifically detail the liabilities which board members would be protected against.
  • The existing rules regarding a Chief Executive and Executive Board would be removed.

Proposed constitution and supporting policies: