DTAS Newsletter
Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter
It is a busy and important time for our sector and I'm pleased to share updates on how we're working with and for our members. Our recent Member Benefits Survey has provided valuable insights that are already helping us shape our services, and refreshed member benefits are starting to go up on the website, be sure to log in to the Members Area to see what's new.
On the policy front, DTAS is actively engaging in democracy matters work and contributing to the ongoing development of the Scottish Coalition on Energy. We're also ensuring that the voice of development trusts is heard as we feed into emerging political manifestos and the recent consultation on community wealth building bill.
Finally, a reminder that our annual conference is fast approaching. If you haven't already, please make sure you're signed up. We look forward to seeing many of you there for what promises to be an inspiring and energising event.
Thank you for all the amazing work you are doing!
Annual Conference 2025
Space at this year's DTAS Annual Conference is filling up. You can book your place on our Eventbrite page.
We are also returning to Trades Hall for dinner (with a bar open till late) after the first day of Conference. Add a dinner ticket to your order to join us.
We are excited to announce that Andy Wightman will be the keynote speaker at our DTAS Annual Conference 2025.
Workshops and Study Visits
You can now find information on this year's workshops and study visits in our Study Visit and Workshop Guide, available on our website.
Book Your PlaceFor workshop bookings, email: conference@dtascot.org.uk
New Report: Community Learning and Development
A recent collaboration between DTAS and the CLD Standards Council for Scotland explored how DTAS members understand and engage with Community Learning and Development (CLD).
DTAS has produced a report with recommendations on how we might raise awareness, support our members more effectively, and explore potential opportunities for funding, learning, and collaboration.
Read the full CLD reportWorkplace Wellbeing Support Service (WWSS)
Since April 2024, the Workplace Wellbeing Support Service has provided organisational support to DTAS members based on their workplace wellbeing.
The service provides support for challenges such as staff or board burnout, lack of organisational direction and strategy or general negative culture through tailored resources, workshops and engagement sessions.
New Resource: Management Account Toolkit
We are delighted to share our new Management Account Toolkit, which has been fully redesigned to be more practical and user-friendly.
What's included:
- Overview of management accounts, budgeting, and tracking progress
- Step-by-step guidance for staff and trustees on how to read and use the reports
- Checklists for preparing and reviewing the accounts
- An Excel template for creating the management report
If you need any assistance using the toolkit, or have any questions, please contact your Development Officer.
Access Management Account ToolkitAnnual Review
There will be two versions of our Annual Review available to you this year - one shorter printed version which will be available at the conference and then a larger digital version will be available on the website. Both will be launched at the end of August - keep a lookout for them!
Upcoming Events
Spotlight: Facilities Management Events
If you are running or will be running a community facility, don't miss these upcoming events:
Recent Events
Recovery and Resilience Fund Update
A massive thank you to the over 100 DTAS members who contributed to two consultation events. We're starting a trial with six members in the coming weeks, working hard to launch the fund later in the year.
Regional Gatherings
Our third regional gathering was held on Thursday 19th June in Huntly for groups in Moray, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. It was very well attended, with 23 people from 17 groups, including 4 aspiring members.
Interested in hosting a regional gathering? Contact annie@dtascot.org.uk
You can find all of our upcoming events listed here.
And don't forget that our DTAS Members' Facebook Group is always there for sharing tips, experiences and seeking advice.
View All Upcoming Events Join DTAS Members' Facebook GroupSupport from our Democratic Finance team
They can help with:
- Developing a community share offer including a marketing Micro Grant
- Other methods of democratic finance (community bonds, legacy giving, community lotteries, crowdfunding)
- Community Benefit Society registration, advice and training
- CBS annual returns and managing members' interest payments and withdrawals
DTAS Debate: Churches
In our latest DTAS Debates session, we explored the challenges and opportunities facing communities around the ongoing disposal of churches – and how we can support those considering taking these assets into community ownership.
Read full blogAnnouncements
Member Support Service Evaluation
We have recently launched the results of our member support service evaluation, conducted in March 2025. Based on your feedback, we're now assessing our support offering, mentorship opportunities, and communications.
Read full evaluation findings'Help DTAS Represent You' series
We have launched a series of short, focused surveys to gather insights to ensure your voices directly inform our policy and advocacy work. Our first survey is on DT engagement with Community Planning Partnerships.
Submit a responsePolicy Updates
Scottish Labour Policy Consultation Response
DTAS has responded to Scottish Labour's Policy Forum Manifesto Stage 2 Consultation, highlighting the role of development trusts in place-based regeneration, local democracy, and community ownership. View the consultation papers here.
Read our blog and responseInclusive, Democratic Business Models
IDBMs is a broad umbrella covering people-powered organisations: development trusts, co-operatives, social enterprises, community-led businesses and employee-owned companies. DTAS is part of the new Scottish Government Economic Democracy Group.
Democracy Matters
The Democracy Matters conversation, led by the Scottish Government and COSLA, continues to explore how communities can have greater influence and control over local decision-making. The process has been highlighted as a priority in this year's Scottish Government Programme for Government and the recent Public Service Reform Strategy.
Community Wealth Building Bill
DTAS has submitted its formal response to the proposed Community Wealth Building Bill, welcoming the Scottish Government's commitment to building a fairer, more inclusive economy.
Read our full response