About DTAS
About DTA Scotland
DTA Scotland is an independent, member-led organisation which aims to promote, support and represent development trusts in Scotland. Established in 2003, DTA Scotland now has over 350 development trust members – community-led organisations using a combination of enterprise and creativity to improve the quality of life for local people in urban, rural and island communities across Scotland. In 2016, DTA Scotland converted to a SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) - No.SC034231.
What is a development trust?
A development trust is a community-owned and led organisation, working to combine community-led action with an enterprising approach to address and tackle local needs and issues.The aim of a development trust is to create social, economic and environmental renewal in a defined geographical area, creating wealth within that area and keeping it there.
Across the country, in city, town, rural and island locations, development trusts are enabling communities to make their own plans and aspirations a reality.
What we do
Through the provision of information, advice and support, and the effective facilitation of our inspiring development trust network, DTA Scotland seeks to contribute to the building of independent, enterprising and resilient communities. This work includes an annual conference which regularly attracts over 200 delegates, a wide range of publications and resources, and a suite of training and support interventions.
Three year strategy 2024-2027 summary
Our new strategy for 2024-27 delivers our refreshed vision, mission and goals for the coming 3 years. In 2023 we celebrated 20 years of dynamic, ambitious and innovative community-led work and we’re building on what’s working well whilst also evolving our support to the new needs of communities.
Our Vision
A Scotland that respects, embraces and supports sustainable and thriving community-led and owned organisations, working in urban, rural and island communities. Places where citizens have the powers and investment to develop their communities and overcome economic, environmental, social and cultural challenges.
Our Mission
Supporting communities to thrive, through our community-led network and national place-based sustainable action.
Our Values
Underpinning our strategy are key values for DTAS which also reflect the values of the network that we support.
- Ambitious
- Democratic and community-led
- Trusted
- Enterprising
- Inclusive and equitable
Our Strategic Goals
1. Advocacy and influencing - Community-led organisations are recognised as fundamental to the economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing of Scotland
DTAS will confidently and boldly influence and shape the environment, culture and policy that we work within and advocate for our members and community-led organisations.
2. Building resilient and strong community infrastructure – DTAS delivers high quality support services to advise, equip and help communities to thrive
DTAS will deliver tailored direct support through our membership offer and client support and will network with other sectoral partners to ensure delivery is accessible and relevant.
3. Communication, research and knowledge exchange - the impact of Development Trusts and community-led organisations is widely understood, celebrated and championed
We will seek to fully understand issues facing our sector, and their impact on them, and celebrate and promote their achievements.
4. Sustaining a strong, successful and reliable organisation – DTAS has the capacity and confidence to deliver our strategy
Aligning with our values, we will ensure that DTAS operates to the highest standard and performance in all aspects of our work
A summary version is available here and the full version is available here.
Other DTA Scotland Services
DTA Scotland is often at the forefront of new and creative approaches to community-led development. These include promoting and supporting community ownership / asset transfer and the use of community shares as an innovative form of social finance.
The Community Ownership Support Service (COSS) is funded by the Scottish Government to support community based groups in Scotland take a stake in or ownership of previously publicly owned land or buildings.
Community Shares Scotland is a national organisation that exists to raise awareness of the community shares model and support communities who wish to raise money this way.
Strategic Partners
DTA Scotland has a close working relationship with our sister organisations Locality in England, DTA Wales and Development Trusts NI – which together provide a combined membership of over 900 development trusts. DTA Scotland is a key member of the Scottish Community Alliance and works closely with other community networks.
