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Apply for membership

Membership is a journey, not just a fee. Here’s what the process looks like and how to get started.

How the process works

For full and provisional membership, the process typically takes up to three months. Here’s what to expect.

1

Download the application form

Before you apply online, download the application form (PDF) and read through the questions. It’ll help you prepare and means the online form won’t take long to complete.

2

Read the membership criteria

We assess every application against our membership criteria. Some criteria need to be met on application; others are things we’d expect members to work towards over time. Reading this first saves time for everyone.

3

Complete the online application

Fill in the online application form using the button on this page. You’ll need basic information about your organisation, your governance structure, and how you meet our criteria.

4

Assessment meeting with your board

A Member Support Advisor will arrange a meeting with the majority of your board. They’ll go through the criteria with you and get a fuller picture of what your organisation does and where you’re headed.

5

Membership confirmed

After the assessment, your advisor will confirm their membership recommendation. If you’re approved, welcome to the network. If there’s more work to do first, we’ll tell you what and support you to get there.

The full process takes up to three months. If you’re not ready for provisional membership yet, get in touch about aspiring support — there’s no formal application required.

📄 We recommend downloading the application form and reading through it before completing the online version.

Full and provisional

Apply for Full or Provisional Membership

For newly established or established development trusts. Make sure you’ve read the criteria before applying.


Apply now
Read the criteria first

Supporters and partners

Apply for Associate Membership

For individuals and organisations that support the development trust movement. Fee varies — get in touch to discuss.


Apply now

Not ready to apply yet?

If you’re at the start of your journey and want support to get there, just get in touch. There’s no formal application for aspiring support.

Email info@dtascot.org.uk

Any questions? Email info@dtascot.org.uk

What we look for

Our membership criteria exist to make sure DTAS Scotland supports organisations that are genuinely community-led. These are the core things we assess against for full and provisional membership.

✓Supports a clearly defined local area or community ✓Open to local people and encourages community membership
✓Run by local people, with decision-making controlled by the community ✓Independent — not driven by personal, political, or external influences
✓Has listened to local people and acts on what matters to them ✓Addresses a range of local issues, not just a single focus
✓Aims to earn income and reinvest surplus back into the community ✓Keeps the wider community informed and involved
✓Works constructively with other organisations where appropriate

Some criteria must be met when you apply; others reflect good practice that members are expected to develop over time. Read the full membership criteria document before completing your application.

See who’s already in the network

Explore the diverse range of activities our members deliver across Scotland.

View the members map

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