Community signs recognition agreement with the Yorkshire Learning Trust

Community is pleased to announce a new recognition agreement has been secured with the Yorkshire Learning Trust (YLT), giving members across the Trust a stronger, formally protected voice at work.

Taking effect on 1 September 2026, the agreement brings together teaching and support staff unions to strengthen collective bargaining, improve workplace standards, and support fair treatment across YLT academies.

Who is covered by this recognition agreement?

All employees (teaching and support staff) are covered by this recognition agreement across all schools in the Yorkshire Learning Trust.

What the agreement means for members at YLT

The agreement creates clear, formal processes for consultation and negotiation between trade unions and Trust leadership. It applies to both teaching and support staff, helping ensure that decisions affecting employees are discussed through recognised channels.

Key benefits include:

• Regular consultation and negotiation: A Joint Consultative and Negotiation Committee (JCNC) will meet regularly to discuss terms and conditions, pay structures, employment policies, health and safety and professional development.
• Protection for pay and conditions: YLT has committed to employing staff on agreed national or trust-wide terms and conditions, with changes made only by mutual agreement.
• Support for union representatives: Representatives will receive reasonable paid time off for union duties, training, and member support, along with access to Trust facilities to communicate effectively with members.
• Earlier dialogue on workplace change: The agreement supports open discussion on curriculum matters, behaviour policies, equal opportunities, and organisational changes before decisions are implemented.

Community Union believes the best outcomes for members are achieved through constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and partnership with employers.

Welcoming the agreement, Helen Osgood, Director of Operations at Community Union, said:

“We are delighted to secure this formal recognition agreement with the Yorkshire Learning Trust. This milestone strengthens our relationship with the Trust and ensures our members have a powerful, unified voice in their workplaces.

“Through the new Joint Consultative and Negotiation Committee, we can work collaboratively with the Trust to address the issues that matter most, including pay, workload, and working conditions. When staff are supported, valued, and fairly rewarded, the whole educational community benefits.”

The recognition agreement provides a strong foundation for positive employee relations across Yorkshire Learning Trust academies.