Charitable trust claimed to be largest public sector mutual in local government

A new charitable trust set up this week to provide support to schools and early years providers is claimed to be the largest public sector mutual in local government in England.

The establishment of the Buckinghamshire Learning Trust has been part funded by the Cabinet Office’s Mutual Support Programme.

Going forwards, the trust – which is expected to be fully operational next month – will be funded by a grant from Buckinghamshire County Council.

Its work and performance is to be overseen by a board of trustees comprising headteachers, school governors and representatives from the council.

Sue Imbriano, Buckinghamshire's Strategic Director for Children and Young People, said: "The establishment of the Trust is a very exciting venture for education in Buckinghamshire.

“It is predicated on the whole system taking collective responsibility for standards across the authority and will draw on a wide range of expertise and knowledge in working to improve outcomes for all our children and young people.”

Raza Khan, the trust’s CEO, said: "The Buckinghamshire Learning Trust will play a key role in ensuring the county remains at the forefront of educational achievement and innovation, whilst protecting key services to schools, early years and the education community well into the future."