At the end of the last season, we sent out a survey to members to get their views and input on a range of topics.
Of the 3,458 members we had at the time we sent the survey out, we had 1,775 responses, of which 1,101 responded to all the questions. These are really impressive numbers compared to similar organisations and show a great level of engagement amongst members.
There were some fascinating and in-depth answers on why members joined the Trust and what fan ownership means to them and the work on meaningfully analysing those will continue.
We will be asking members who have joined or rejoined the Trust this season to complete a similar survey once the season starts.
Over a third (34%) of those who responded have been members since the Trust’s foundation, with over a quarter (27%) having been members for less than five years.
We asked the about issues members thought the DTB should prioritise:
- The most popular priority was managing the debt with 75% of respondents choosing it, ensuring good governance was the second most with 65%
- On the pitch, 60% wanted the DTB to work to increase available funds for the men’s first team
- 54% wanted focus on improving the club’s commercial performance
- 52% growing the club’s fanbase globally and locally
The rest of the options all received less than 50%.
In terms of communications, engagement, and voting the vast majority of those responding haven’t attended Trust AGMs or SGMs (83.5% hadn’t attended) but 75% have voted in person or online,
Ways in which members engage with the Dons Trust at the moment:
89% Surveys
75% Reading the newsletter
75% Voting online or in person
56% Reading news on the DT website
28% Meet the DTB
58% of people never visit the Proboards forum, and another 16% visit Proboards less than once a year
Social media: preferred platforms
45% Twitter/X
39% Facebook
29% WhatsApp
23% Instagram
Respondents would most like to hear from the DTB on (top 3)
52% Strategy, goals, and direction of the men’s team
50% Commercial performance of the Club
48% Finance
Members were asked what they thought the most important ways for the DTB to engage with members were, respondents chose:
- Surveying members (53%)
- The monthly newsletter (45%)
- Hosting online meetings for members (38%)
- Being available and contactable on email (30%)
- AGMs and SGMS (27%)
- Hosting informal in person sessions for members (18%)
- Being available on matchdays (17%)
- Being contactable on social media (16%)
- Posting more on social media (15%)
- Through Proboards (13%)
Elections
Most people (96%) have never stood, and 97% didn’t consider standing in 2023, 3% said they’d consider standing in 2024
Most people cite a lack of available time, living too far away, skills, just wanting to watch the football, and not feeling that they can make a difference
12% cited negative criticism or potential abuse as a reason they don’t stand. Term lengths were seen as an issue for 5% of people who responded.
Things that might make people want to stand in the future: 52% said nothing could encourage them to stand, 16% suggested more clearly defined board roles, and 14% wanted less of a time commitment.
Thank you
Thanks again to the significant number of members who participated, we really appreciate the feedback and guidance. We will be acting on the priorities you’ve shared, and they will help inform our communications activity and plans for the upcoming season.