Oxford Learning Disability Trust shelves foundation trust application

The decision was taken following discussions with NHS South Central during which it became clear the trust, also known as the Ridgeway Partnership, would not be able to meet Monitor’s financial tests.

Minutes from a recent board meeting stated the board’s decision was not “a reflection on the quality of services, current financial viability or standards of governance but a consequence of the way Monitor now assesses the financial forecasts of aspiring foundation trusts in the light of the changed and more challenging economic climate”.

The board will now look at options for the future including social enterprise and the merger and acquisition process for joining with an existing foundation trust.