Partnerships

We have developed a range of partnerships with the public, private and third sector.

Networking and Building Alliances

Community-based regeneration has now taken root in many urban and rural areas throughout the UK. Development trusts in particular have emerged in a variety of communities from John O' Groats to Lands End and the Scottish islands. As the sector expands, the need for coordination and unity is fundamental.

The Development Trusts Association is one of a number of organisations that bring together, and speak for the sector. Networking organisations need to cooperate effectively in order to present a clear voice that can articulate the needs of the sector and achieve the wider recognition and role that it seeks. A strong network provides representation, service, support and guidance to the development trusts movement, and reinforces its ability to contribute to national policy debates.

As part of our commitment to promote community-based regeneration and the development trust movement, we have been involved in partnerships and alliances with other national organisations working in the community and social enterprise movement.

Our partnerships with external organisations and institutions include:

The Community Alliance Through this alliance, the Development Trusts Association is working with bassac and Community Matters to strengthen the community sector
Social Enterprise Coalition The DTA is a founding member of the Social Enterprise Coalition (SEC), the UK trade body set up to bring together all types of social enterprise to share knowledge and strengthen the sector’s collective national voice.
Adventure Capital Fund The Adventure Capital Fund (ACF) is a programme of investment for the social and community sector. The DTA helped to found the ACF and now it is a fully independent organisation which has delivered over £15m of investment into the community enterprise sector. The ACF also runs Futurebuilders which makes investments in third sector organisations wishing to increase public service delivery.
Better Banking Campaign The Better Banking campaign is run to address the problem of financial exclusion: the lack of fair access to financial services and credit to those who warrant it. The campaign is led by a coalition of third sector organisations, including the Development Trusts Association.
Government & Private Sector The DTA is working closely with government departments and the private sector to promote the work of development trusts and attract investment to the community sector
Cambridge University Master of Studies in Social Enterprise and Community Development. This course is run by the Institute of Continuing Education at the university, and based at Wolfson College.