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Recommendation Recommendation Brief Appendix1 Appendix2 Recommendation Brief Appendix1 Appendix2

TO: Executive Board
FROM: Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning
DATE: November 2003
WARDS AFFECTED: ALL

Establishment of an Education Development Trust in Blackburn with Darwen

1. PURPOSE 

1.1 The proposed establishment of an Education Development Trust has grown out of the experience of the Education Action Zone (EAZ) which itself was established with charitable status. The EAZ ceased to exist with effect from 31 August 2003. However, during the Life of the EAZ (5 years) and within it’s limited focus on approximately one quarter of the Borough it managed to raise £2.2 million on top of core DFES funding from other charitable trusts, the private sector through a combination of in kind and cash support and non-EAZ related public funding. Without the benefit of Charitable status this funding would not have been available to our schools.

1.2 Charitable Trust and private sector funding raised by the EAZ contributed significantly to the work of the LEA in the areas of school improvement, inclusion and access and community learning. Appendix 2 gives some examples of projects that were supported by this funding. The Education development Trust would build on the experience gained in raising funds and involving partners to continue to support, complement and enhance the work of the LEA and Council.

1.3 Elected member representatives on the EAZ Forum have requested officers to examine ways of continuing the benefits of partnership working with the private, voluntary and community sectors and income generation that a charitable trust brings.

2. KEY ISSUES

2.1 The role of the Education Development Trust might include:

  • Acting as a lead body in applications to a range of charitable, private and public sector sources aimed at the charitable/voluntary sector..
  • Supporting the LEA, EiC, community groups and agencies in the development of projects and initiatives that would attract funding from charitable, public and private sectors sources aimed at the charitable/voluntary sector. 
  • Developing and facilitating its own programme of activities that bring additional educational benefits to young people and the wider community in Blackburn with Darwen 

2.2 Based on experience gained in the EAZ it is reasonable to suppose that the Education Development Trust would be able to secure between £150,000 and £200,000 per annum from other charitable trusts and a further £200,000 per annum from the private sector through a combination of in kind and cash support. The EAZ also accessed £80,000 per annum in non EAZ related public funding.

2.3 The Education Development Trust could incorporate an E Learning Foundation.2.4 The Education Development Trust will:

  • Support the delivery of the Education and Lifelong Learning Department Service Plan
  • Support the delivery of the Excellence in Cities Transforming Secondary Schools Plan
  • Provide additional routes for the development of initiatives arising through the work of the Children and Young Peoples Strategic Partnership.

3. RATIONALE

3.1In September 1998 Blackburn with Darwen LEA was successful in bidding for the establishment of an Education Action Zone with charitable status. The EAZ has brought significant inward investment into the Borough. The establishment of an Education Development Trust would continue the benefits of partnership working and income generation afforded by charitable status

3.2 In September 2001 Blackburn with Darwen LEA was successful in bidding to the National E Learning Foundation and the DfES for funding to support the significant expansion of ICT resources in 6 schools in the Whitebirk area. As part of the funding arrangement the LEA agreed to investigate the potential of creating a borough wide E Learning foundation to provide high quality ICT provision across the entire borough.

3.3 An Education Development Trust (EDT) has the potential to make a significant positive contribution enhancing social inclusion across the authority and to bridging the digital divide.

3.4 The EDT’s status as a registered charity allows it to reclaim income tax from the Inland Revenue. For Gift Aid contributed by a basic-rate taxpayer, this means a welcome supplement of 28% on every donation.

4. POLICY IMPLICATIONS

4.1 There are a range of policy issues relating to the legal status of the trust and the determination of trustees.

5. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

5.1 Running costs can be met from the funds raised. We will need to ensure that we access the appropriate level of gift aid funding and subscription for the trust for there to be nil financial implications. The establishment of a separate trading arm could also generate income.

6. LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

6.1 There will be legal implications related to the establishment of the Charitable Trust.

7. IMPLICATIONS FOR OTHER PORTFOLIOS

7.1 The EDT incorporating an E Learning Foundation could impact and contribute to a range of other portfolio's including CALS, Regeneration and CAPITA IT services. EDT and ELF funding could be counted as matched funding for a range of educational projects that could be delivered from schools such as community learning/improving basic skills. 

7.2 We would need to link with Regeneration in terms of ensuring synergy with programmes and bids they may be operating or proposing. There could also be a connection with SMEs through Regeneration in terms of raising donations. 

7.3 CAPITA ES may well be interested in being an active member of the EDT.

8. CONSULTATIONS

8.1 Outline discussions have taken place with Blackburn Partnership, some LEA and Council officers, Executive Members for other Council portfolios and some members of the EAZ Forum.

CONTACT OFFICER: Harry Devonport
DATE: nOVEMBER 2003
BACKGROUND PAPER: Establishment of an Education Development Trust in Blackburn with Darwen