The Commandant of the Royal College of Defence Studies is Vice Admiral Charles Style CBE, who has been in post since 2008.
The Senior Directing Staff (SDS) are four 2-star officers from the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force and the Civil Service. The SDS provide support, supervision, guidance and mentoring to the Members throughout their time on the RCDS Course and are assisted in this task by professors from King’s College London, our academic partner. They also play a role in developing the content of the RCDS Course and provide the lead for specific elements, as well as additional events at RCDS including themed seminars.
The Chief of Staff is responsible for the delivery and administration of the RCDS Course programme and associated activities. These tasks are performed by five small teams and nearly all personnel are civil servants from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The Directing Staff (DS) are responsible for the day to day delivery of the academic elements of the course programme, including daily lectures and UK and overseas visits.
The Information Services Group is responsible for the provision of Library, IT and Photoprinting services, which includes the Lecture Hall, the College websites and full support for all College research activities.
The Programme Management and Support Group coordinates all college activities, including incoming visits, and provides administrative assistance.
The Business Support Team deals with all contract and budgetary issues including estate management, human resources and health and safety issues, while ensuring compliance with MoD policy.
The Member Services Team is responsible for the recruitment of course Members and for essential support during their time at RCDS, as well as a voluntary ‘social programme’ which includes spouses and partners. This team also provides all required support to RCDS alumni, who are considered Members of the college for life.