It is crucial to identify a cross-section of decision makers from key departments within the relevant authority who will be involved in developing and delivering the process.
This may vary between relevant authorities but should include representatives from: the property, legal, finance, community development and economic regeneration departments.
Input from the community sector and, where appropriate, elected members from the beginning will help ensure a policy that is robust and has agreement from all sectors.
Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
It is very helpful, even essential, for the community group if there is a SPOC that is clearly identified with contact details. This is the person who is the link between the group and the rest of the CAT team, and the person they can contact to ask about their asset transfer application. The SPOC will ensure that everyone in the wider CAT team is kept up to speed with what is happening with any application.
Cross-departmental working
Be confident that the asset transfer process will respond to both relevant authority and community objectives and opportunities, it is important to take a strategic approach, working across departments to do so. Key questions to consider include: -
- Do you have a single-point of contact (SPOC) for the community?
- Do you have a cross-departmental team in place, including legal?
- Do you have a clear understanding of the relevant strategic plans?
- Is there a clear lead on asset transfer from the Chief Executive’s office and is this articulated through all the other departments involved?
- Are your policy and processes in line with the legislation and guidance from Scottish Government?