THE INSURANCE COMMITTEE
OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESES OF

ENGLAND, WALES AND SCOTLAND

September 2002

VOLUNTARY AIDED SCHOOLS - AN INSURANCE SUMMARY

The Roman Catholic Dioceses in England and Wales make provision for their VA schools in the diocesan insurance policies.

This is to ensure the Diocesan Trustees’ interests in their VA schools are properly protected, and additionally to ensure the Governing Bodies of their VA schools enjoy a level of protection which is at least equivalent to that provided to the Governing Bodies of schools which are wholly maintained by the LEAs.

The main features of the Diocesan insurance arrangements in so far as they relate to VA schools are as follows:-

³ Property Insurance - traditionally, there has been a split in the repairing responsibilities for VA school premises, part being the LEAs, and part remaining with the Governors. The part that remains with the Governors qualifies for Grant Aid from DfES. The Diocesan insurance protects the Governing Body against that proportion of the repair/rebuilding costs which do not benefit from Grant Aid (historically 15%). Whilst the traditional split continues in Wales, changes were introduced for English VA schools in April 2002. The changes increased the proportion of the building repair costs that would fall at the feet of the Governing Body, and reduced the responsibilities of the LEA. The level of Grant Aid increased from 85%, to 90%, but given the far greater area of the buildings plus fixtures and fittings that are now the responsibility of the Governors, the net effect is to increase the premises risks faced by the Governors. The Diocesan policies have reflected these changes, and continue to provide the Governing Bodies with insurance cover against their premises risks and where they cannot reclaim costs from either their LEA or DfES.

³ Liability Insurance (including Governors Indemnity) - whilst most claims involving pupils, or from the employees and public, will fall to be the responsibility of the LEA to handle and settle on behalf of the Governing Body, there are occasions when there is no statutory duty on the LEA to provide such protection. In such cases, the Diocesan insurance arrangements are triggered, to provide the Governors with whatever protection they require.

Confusion sometimes arises because of the separate insurance arrangements made by the LEAs. As can be seen from the above, the insurance arrangements made by the LEA and the Diocese do not overlap - rather, they are designed to dovetail, to ensure effective and seamless protection.

The Dioceses need to fund the insurance premiums they pay in respect of their VA schools, and this is why Governing Bodies will see insurance premium invoices from the Diocese. The money to pay the premium for the Diocesan insurance should be found in the funds delegated to the VA schools by their LEAs. It may not be tagged as “insurance” under the delegated budget, but may rather be found under the “repairs and maintenance” budget.

When it is felt an insurance claim may need to be made (and certainly where there is any threat of legal action), VA schools should immediately notify the LEA’s insurance section, as well as complying with any Diocesan guidelines.

Further advice on the insurance arrangements for Catholic VA schools can be obtained from:

The Catholic Church Insurance Association,

2 Prebendal Court, Oxford Road, Aylesbury, Bucks. HP19 8EY.

Tel. 01296 422030 Email: enquiries@ccia.org.uk