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Project management

The success of a Development Trust is ultimately judged by the projects it produces. In order to develop and maintain projects in a way which will satisfy both sponsors and the local community, the Trust needs an effective project management system and professional staff to run it.

• The Trust Board and staff must plan their programme of work in the light of local needs and the work of other local organisations. The programme of projects must also balance earning income with meeting Trust objectives.
• The Trust must be able to initiate projects of its own - particularly early on to gain credibility - and also respond to ideas from the community.
• Staff must have the professional competence to deliver quality projects cost effectively while meeting health and safety and other standards. At the same time they must involve the local community and offer a role to volunteers.
• The Trust must report progress to its local sponsors, complete any returns required by sponsors and funders, and maintain a review of completed projects.

Checklist

• Has the Trust established priorities, based on an assessment of local needs, which complement those of other organisations?
• Does the Trust have guidelines for the balance of commercial and community initiated projects, and procedures for evaluating project proposals?
• Do Trust staff and Board understand:

  the possible Trust roles as agent, consultant, enabler, contractor or developer ?
  the limitation on Trust trading activity imposed by the constitution?
  contract law?

• Does the Trust have:

  professional staff with experience in project design and contract management?
  procedures for establishing and maintaining quality of project implementation and aftercare?
  written contracts with professional advisers and contractors, and written management and maintenance agreements prior to project implementation?
  policies for community participation and the management of volunteers?
  procedures for monitoring and reporting project achievements?

• Does the Trust conforms to health and safety legislation, and have adequate insurance against liability and indemnity?