The Educational Trust Sub-Committee of Aberdeenshire Council met on Friday 11 September 2026 to review the financial standing of the Aberdeenshire Educational Trust (AET) and to consider grant funding awards. The meeting also included a discussion on the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Public Sector Equality Duty

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider the Public Sector Equality Duty. This duty, outlined in Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010¹, 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 individuals who share protected characteristics and those who do not. The Sub-Committee was also to consider any Integrated Impact Assessments² provided in relation to agenda items.

Aberdeenshire Educational Trust (AET) - Financial Update

A report was presented providing an update on the financial position of the Aberdeenshire Educational Trust (AET) as at 31 August 2026. The report indicated that as at 31 March 2026, the unaudited balance held within the AET was £4,444,968, invested in external assets and the Council's Loans Fund. The report detailed grant awards made for the 2026/27 financial year, totalling £107,342, and provided a breakdown of income received, including interest from the Council's Loans Fund, dividends, and a donation from The Robb's Trust. The financial update also outlined the available balance in the Council's Loans Fund, taking into account committed expenditure and grant applications to be considered. The Sub-Committee was to note the financial position of the AET.

Aberdeenshire Educational Trust (AET) - Grant Funding Awards

The meeting was scheduled to consider grant funding applications submitted to the Aberdeenshire Educational Trust (AET). This included applications received between 13 February 2026 and 17 April 2026, as well as one application deferred from a previous meeting. The Sub-Committee was to consider the award of funding for these applications, with specific mention of applications 1 and 3, and the rejection of application 2. Applications 4 and 5 were scheduled for deferral to the next meeting. Additionally, the Sub-Committee was to consider and approve a proposed Further Education Award application.