Find the right membership for your organisation
There are four ways to be part of the DTAS Scotland network. Each one is designed to meet you where you are right now.
“Membership is not just access to services — it is participation in a movement. It is a shared commitment between your organisation and DTAS, reflecting alignment with the development trust model and a willingness to engage in ongoing reflection, learning and continuous improvement.”
Getting started
AspiringFree Not a formal membership — supported preparation as you get ready |
Who this is forIf your community group has ambitions to become a development trust but you’re not quite there yet, this is where you start. You might be early-stage, still setting up governance, or working out your legal structure. Our dedicated aspiring development trust advisor will support you to get ready for provisional membership. What you get
There’s no formal application for aspiring support. Email info@dtascot.org.uk and we’ll have a conversation about where you are and how we can help. |
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Newly established
Provisional£50 per year Available for up to 3 years, with a possible 1-year extension |
Who this is forFor development trusts that broadly meet the development trust model and are working towards full membership. Provisional membership is not a lesser status — it is a supported development stage. It recognises organisations that are community-led and democratically governed, but may still be strengthening areas such as governance and board practice, organisational resilience, delivery or income sustainability, and community engagement. Networking and events
Training and resources
Representation and influencing
Advice and support
Read the full criteria document before applying. The assessment involves a meeting with your board and the whole process takes up to three months. |
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Established trusts
Full£90 per year |
Who this is forFor development trusts that meet DTAS membership criteria and demonstrate strong alignment with the development trust model. Full members show clear evidence of strong community leadership and accountability, democratic governance, local benefit and long-term purpose. Full members participate fully in the governance and direction of DTAS. What you getEverything in provisional membership, plus:
Full membership criteria are more detailed than provisional. Read the full criteria document before applying. The process includes a board meeting with your development officer and takes up to three months. |
Supporters and partners
AssociateVariable Get in touch to discuss the fee |
Who this is forFor individuals and organisations that support the development trust movement — funders, consultants, local authorities, academic institutions, and other third sector organisations. You need to show that you’re aligned with DTAS Scotland’s aims and that you want to work in partnership with our members and the wider movement. What you get
Associate fees vary by organisation size and type. Email info@dtascot.org.uk and we’ll work out what makes sense for you. |
Membership benefits in detail
DTAS membership is built around four core areas of support. Here’s what each one covers for provisional and full members.
Networking and events
✓ Annual conference (discounted)
✓ Regional events
✓ Online member drop-ins
✓ Member Facebook group
✓ Community Learning Exchange
Training and resources
✓ Trustees/Directors training
✓ Strategic review session
✓ Webinars
✓ Funding programmes (where eligible)
✓ Members’ Area access
✓ Resources and startup toolkit
Representation and influencing
✓ Shape government policy
✓ Influence change locally and nationally
✓ Network newsletter
✓ Member mailings
✓ Pilot programmes
✓ Use of DTAS Scotland logo
Advice and support
✓ Named Member Support Advisor
✓ VAT advice
✓ HR advice (up to 90 mins/year)
✓ Legal advice (up to 1 hour/year)
✓ Finance advice (up to 1 hour/year)
✓ Discounts on services
For the full detail on how these benefits are delivered, download the DTAS Membership Handbook.
Compare membership types
Key benefits at a glance — based on the DTAS Membership Handbook.
| Benefit | Aspiring | Provisional | Full | Associate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Networking and events | ||||
| Annual conference | Discounted | Discounted | Discounted | Discounted |
| Regional events | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Community Learning Exchange | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Group peer-to-peer support | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Training and resources | ||||
| Trustees/Directors training | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Strategic review session | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Webinars | Limited | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Funding programmes (where eligible) | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Members’ Area access | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Representation and influencing | ||||
| Shape government policy | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Network newsletter | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Member mailings | Limited | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Pilot programmes | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Advice and support | ||||
| Named Member Support Advisor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| HR advice (up to 90 minutes/year) | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Legal advice (up to 1 hour/year) | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Finance advice (up to 1 hour/year) | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Discounts on services | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
ⓘ Membership provides eligibility to apply for funding programmes — it does not guarantee funding. Assessment decisions are independent and based on programme criteria. Download the Membership Handbook for full detail on how each benefit is delivered.
Know which one is right for you?
Head straight to the application — it takes about 15 minutes to complete.
Not sure which membership suits you? Email info@dtascot.org.uk and we’ll talk it through. See all current members on the members map.