23 November 2009
Catherine MacArthur
Email:
Dear Ms MacArthur
Freedom of Information Request - How many compromise agreements have been signed by teachers and Head teachers with a result of these members of staff losing or leaving their jobs since Sep 2004
Thank you for email which The Learning Trust received on the 27 October 2009 via Hackney Council. I acknowledge receipt of your request for information. I should firstly point out that The Learning Trust is not a “public authority” under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (“the Act”).
The Learning Trust is a private company limited by guarantee which carries out the majority of the functions of Hackney Council as a Local Education Authority under a Contract entered into pursuant to a Direction of the Secretary of State dated 31st July 2002.
The Learning Trust was incorporated in May 2002 for the sole purpose of carrying out the functions transferred pursuant to that Direction from 1st August 2002. There is a power under Section 5 of the Act for the Secretary of State to designate a company such as The Learning Trust as a public authority but to date that power has not been exercised in respect of The Learning Trust.
Consequently, The Learning Trust is not bound by the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. However as a body exercising public functions The Learning Trust is committed to doing so openly and transparently. The Learning Trust has developed a policy which, so far as its constitution allows, complies with the provisions of the Act.
With regard to your requests, please find attached spreadsheet. A higher number of compromise agreements were signed in 2007 due to the closure of a school. The Learning Trust does not hold any information about the age of the teachers or head teachers at the date of leaving their employment.
Yours sincerely,
Breda Connolly
Trainee Solicitor and Information Officer
Legal Department
Your ref:
Our ref: FOI 224
Direct Dial: 020 8820 7382
Fax No: 020 8820 7234
E-mail: [email address]