Core member support for development trusts in Scotland
Practical, relationship-based support for DTAS members at every stage of their journey — included as part of your membership.
What is core member support?
Every DTAS member has access to a named advisor — someone who gets to know your organisation and can help you think through challenges, plan ahead, and connect with the right people. Support is ongoing and responsive, shaped around what your organisation actually needs at any given time.
We work with development trusts at all stages — whether you’re newly formed and finding your feet, going through a period of change, or a well-established organisation looking to grow. Your advisor is your first port of call.
What we can help with
Our support is structured around six areas of organisational resilience. Your advisor can help you reflect on where your organisation is strong and where there’s room to develop.
How we work with you
Support is online-first and fits around you — by phone, video call, or email. Where it makes sense, your advisor can meet you in person.
Regular check-ins
Structured conversations to review how things are going, reflect on progress, and plan what’s next for your organisation.
Responsive, issue-led support
When something specific comes up — a governance question, a funding decision, a difficult situation — your advisor is there to help you think it through.
Peer learning and network events
Webinars, drop-ins, and peer learning opportunities across the DTAS network — so you can learn from other development trusts facing similar challenges.
Signposting and onward referral
When you need more than we can offer directly, we’ll connect you with specialist DTAS services or trusted external partners.
What this service doesn’t cover
Core member support is advisory — we help you think things through, not do things for you. This service doesn’t include:
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Writing documents, policies, business plans or funding applications -
Acting as a consultant, project manager or ongoing caseworker -
Formal legal, financial or HR advice — though we can signpost you to the right people
Other services that might help
Crisis support
Intensive short-term support when your organisation is facing a serious financial, governance or reputational crisis.
Workplace wellbeing
Support to build a healthier workplace culture and look after your team through pressure and change.
Funding programmes
Three programmes to help members grow capacity, access emergency grants, or strengthen their foundations.