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| Primary purpose Summary Potential benefits Who can use the tool? What resources are needed? Development, ownership and support Social enterprise examples Development Trusts The Healthcheck was created by the Development Trusts Association (DTA) to:
By definition development trusts are:
The Healthcheck process is designed to be a user-friendly, non-prescriptive diagnostic tool used as a guide to good practice for development trusts and other community and social enterprises, allowing them to assess their progress against development trust values. It aims to create or build upon monitoring systems, forward planning and regular evaluation. The Healthcheck can form the basis of planning and support from the DTA’s Regional Development Managers for DTA members. The DTA offers its members a support programme and an action plan. The tool consists of five sections. The first is an organisational checklist, which is followed by indicators at three levels of attainment in the following areas:
The first level of attainment for each indicator is the DTA’s minimum target and can apply to many social and community enterprises. This first level is required by the DTA for its members. The DTA encourages all development trusts to aim for the third level of attainment for all indicators.
Potential limitations
Emerging development trusts can use the Healthcheck as part of the application for DTA membership. Established development trusts, as well as the wider community enterprise sector, may find it useful, particularly small and medium-sized organisations. Other community enterprises may also find it useful. Leadership A senior member of staff should complete the Healthcheck, working with colleagues and with a DTA support person. Proficiencies or skills No prior expertise or experience is necessary but some experience in planning or organisational strategy would facilitate the process. Staff time Approximately two full days for employees plus one day equivalent at Board level will be needed. It is anticipated that the Healthcheck will require no more time than is usually needed for the creation of a regular action plan or forward planning process. In completing the original Healthcheck, the organisation will indicate a timeframe for moving forward with action plans identified through the process. Follow-up time necessary depends upon the action plan created during the process. The Healthcheck results should be revisited regularly when planning processes or reviews are taking place within the organisation. Courses, support, and information Regional DTA staff will work one-to-one with the individual trusts/organisations to go through the Healthcheck process itself. Overview/introductory workshops are also available, (e.g. at the DTA’s annual conference). Further assistance can be delivered by DTA employees or by appropriate consultants drawn from the DTA’s membership. Development, ownership and support The Healthcheck was created by the DTA and is within the public domain. Support throughout the Healthcheck process is provided by the DTA’s regional team and is further supported by staff working nationally. Information is available from the DTA national team and all regional development managers at the DTA website.
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“It provided us with a rigorous process to evaluate our Trust and the progress we had made. It also provided an opportunity for us to inform new staff on our activities and helped us to plan our future.” - The Seedley and Langworthy Trust
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