One way to clarify the initial vision of a Development Trust is for those involved in the early stages to attempt to produce a case study of the trust as they envisage it in five years time. The headings and notes here provide a framework.
The formal name of the organisation.
Where the organisation operates from.
The full-time and part-time staff and secondees, plus consultants if these provide substantial services.
The geographic area covered by the organisation.
When the organisation was formally incorporated or started operation.
For example, company limited by guarantee with charitable status, and whether there are any associated organisations (e.g. a trading company).
For example, council, executive, Board, management committee, the responsibilities of these, and how they are appointed or elected. Whether there are any sub-committees and working groups.
For example, grants, donations, membership fees, income from trading or property.
The gross annual income of the organisation.
The formal members of the company (if applicable), or other types of membership.
The aims and objectives of the organisation included in its promotional materials and/or memorandum and articles. The mission statement, if one has been developed.
The measurable criteria against which the trust judges whether it is succeeding or failing.
Specific examples of the way in which the organisation is fulfilling its objectives - for example, major projects.
What services the organisation offers to its members and to others, for example, publications, advisory services, project management.
Any other ways in which the organisation fulfills its objectives, for example, lobbying.
How the organisation relates to other organisations, for example, whether they are represented on its committees, or whether it undertakes joint projects. © David Wilcox david@partnerships.org.uk. Tel +44 (0)1273 677377. Fax: +44 (0)1273 677379. These information sheets may be freely distributed with this attribution, but not republished as a whole. Partnerships Online : The Guide to Development Trusts and Partnerships: other sheets