22 February 2010

Mrs Jaki Parsons

Email:

[FOI #27581 email]

Dear Mrs Parsons

Freedom of Information Request

Thank you for your email which the Learning Trust received on 25 January 2010. 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 31^st 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 1^st 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 request, The Learning Trust has no knowledge of, or involvement in any of the campaigns to vilify Graham Badman or to inundate the DCSF with FOI requests.

Yours sincerely,

Breda Connolly

Trainee Solicitor and Information Officer

Your ref:

Our ref: FOI 233

Direct Dial: 020 8820 7537

Fax No: 020 8820 7234

E-mail: [email address]