The Aberdeenshire Educational Trust Sub-Committee met on Friday 06 March 2026 to review the Trust's financial position and discuss ongoing actions. The committee noted the financial update, which indicated that committed expenditure exceeded estimated income for the year, necessitating the use of previous years' balances. The meeting also addressed progress on previous action points, including the development of a new feedback form for schools and the status of a grant application awaiting further information.

Financial Update

The Sub-Committee received an update on the financial position of the Aberdeenshire Educational Trust (AET) as of 31 January 2026. Fiona Massie, Team Leader of Strategic Finance, presented the report, which detailed that just over £157,000 had been awarded in grants during the period. The total forecasted income for the year from interest and dividends was estimated at approximately £144,000.

The report highlighted that committed expenditure of over £157,000 exceeded the estimated income, meaning that previous years' balances would be required to cover the shortfall. If all current grant applications were approved, the total expenditure for the year would reach over £194,000, leaving a balance of just over £587,000 in the council's loans fund.

Councillor Anne Stirling, Council Co-Leader, raised a question regarding best value and audit purposes, seeking assurance that the allocation of funds met these requirements. Fiona Massie confirmed that the accounts are audited annually and that the trust's grant awards generally follow procurement processes, suggesting that best value and audit requirements are being met. The committee noted the financial position of the Aberdeenshire Educational Trust at 31 January 2026.

Action Log

The committee reviewed the action log, which provides an update on progress since the previous meeting. Fiona Massie reported that Action 1, concerning a tick-box exercise for schools regarding grant funding, was nearing completion. The form was being tested and was scheduled to go live from 1 April 2026.

Regarding Action 2, which related to further information from the Geary Sports Trust, it was noted that this information had been received and sent to trustee representatives on 11 December 2025. However, a decision was still pending further information from the Robs Trust regarding potential funding. This matter was to be addressed in the private session of the meeting. The Sub-Committee agreed to note the current position of actions and remove completed items from the list.

Public Sector Equality Duty

The Sub-Committee formally adopted the resolution regarding the Public Sector Equality Duty, as outlined in the Equality Act 2010. This duty requires public bodies to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation; advance equality of opportunity; and foster good relations between those who share protected characteristics and those who do not. Members agreed to consider the contents of any Integrated Impact Assessments provided and take them into account when making decisions.

Minute of Previous Meeting

The minute of the previous meeting of the Aberdeenshire Educational Trust Sub-Committee held on 5 December 2025 was approved as a correct record of proceedings.

Exempt Information

The Sub-Committee agreed to exclude the public and media representatives from the meeting for Item 6 of the agenda, concerning Aberdeenshire Educational Trust (AET) Grant Funding Awards. This was on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information, as described in Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.