ISBA BURSARCAST

The ISBA Bursarcast is back with another weekly update for the autumn term. There’s no guest this week. Instead, we focus on the key operational developments from the latest ISBA Weekly Bulletin. In this episode Teachers’ Pension Scheme ISBA has updated its guidance on the forthcoming reduction in the TPS employer contribution rate from April 2027, including new FAQs around hybrid arrangements, alternative defined-contribution schemes and previous decisions to leave the scheme. Cyber preparedness Cyber security is firmly on the leadership agenda this week. ISBA’s latest long read focuses on the role of governors, bursars and senior leaders in building resilience, while a separate alert highlights a critical vulnerability affecting some schools using managed IT providers. Inspection readiness ISI has updated its Inspection Framework, Handbook, self-evaluation material and complaints procedure for September 2026. ISBA has also refreshed its own inspection guidance to reflect the latest changes. Material changes The Department for Education has updated its guidance on making material changes to an independent school’s registered details, including further detail around timings, capacity, age-range changes and school closures. Pupil images Following the recent ISBA, AMCIS and IAPS webinar, we look at why the use of pupil images is increasingly a safeguarding, communications and governance issue, rather than simply a marketing decision. Key deadlines The ISC interim pupil-number survey closes on 18 September 2026 , while primary contacts for Teachers’ Pensions should register for the new employer portal by 9 October 2026 . Full guidance and member resources are available through the ISBA Weekly Bulletin and Reference Library. This week also sees further webinars and events across pensions, finance, immigration, National Minimum Wage compliance, estates and health and safety. ISBA Weekly Bulletins: https://www.isbabulletin.org.uk/Newsletter/List/weekly-bulletin Advice and Guidance: AdviceatISBA@theisba.org.uk Member note: This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through the original ISBA bulletin and linked materials. Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ISBA Bursarcast is back with a new weekly update for the autumn term. There’s no guest this week. Instead, we focus on the key operational developments from ISBA’s first weekly bulletin after the summer break. In this episode KCSIE 2026 We look at the latest safeguarding changes, including the removal of the supervision exemption, sixth form volunteering and clarification around under-16 work experience in Early Years settings. Inspection and attendance ISI has updated its Inspection Framework and Handbook, while new attendance guidance creates practical considerations for schools, including registration requirements. Charities SORP 2026 For many charitable schools, the current financial year will be the first covered by the new SORP. Finance teams are encouraged to begin preparing now. Teachers’ Pension Scheme TPS schools in England and Wales should ensure their primary contact registers for the new employer portal by 9 October 2026 . National Minimum Wage With HMRC scrutiny of the education sector, schools should keep pay arrangements, working-time records and payroll compliance under review. Full guidance and member resources are available through the ISBA Weekly Bulletin and Reference Library. And if you missed the Bursarcast over the summer, catch up with our recent guest conversations in the podcast feed. ISBA Weekly Bulletins: https://www.isbabulletin.org.uk/Newsletter/List/weekly-bulletin Advice and Guidance: AdviceatISBA@theisba.org.uk Member note: This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through the original ISBA bulletin and linked materials. Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the new academic year approaches, this episode of The ISBA Bursarcast focuses on the operational issues independent school leaders need on their radar now. We begin with the key developments including September compliance changes, updated attendance guidance, the final deadline for the ISBA Inspection Toolkit, and the responsibilities schools may face following a significant cyber incident. We then turn to allergy safety — an area receiving increased attention and one highlighted directly in the latest ISBA Bulletin. Our guest is Hebe Richardson, Senior Nutritionist at Foodbuy , who joins us for a detailed conversation about allergen management from a procurement perspective. Hebe explains why effective allergy management starts long before food reaches the kitchen. The discussion explores the importance of supplier relationships, accurate product information and consistent systems, as well as the risks that can arise when specifications, recipes or products change. We also consider why allergy controls need to extend beyond the main catering operation to include areas such as tuck shops, events, trips and other routes through which food may enter a school. In this episode The key compliance changes taking effect from 1 September Changes affecting volunteers and regulated activity KCSIE 2026 and safeguarding arrangements Updated statutory attendance guidance The 31 August deadline for the ISBA Inspection Toolkit Cyber incidents and Charity Commission serious-incident reporting New allergy-safety guidance for schools Why allergen management begins with procurement Supplier information and allergen data Managing product and recipe changes The risks created by unchecked substitutions Creating a consistent, whole-school approach to food purchasing Approved product lists and a reliable source of product information Balancing procurement optimisation with safety and nutritional quality Guest Hebe Richardson Senior Nutritionist, Foodbuy Hebe discusses how procurement decisions can strengthen allergen controls and why consistency between suppliers, product specifications, recipes and day-to-day catering operations is essential. A central theme is the importance of ensuring that changes and substitutions do not bypass established allergen controls — and that schools have visibility over all the different ways food is purchased and served. Member note: This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through the original ISBA bulletin and linked materials. Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Concussion is no longer simply a sports-field issue. For schools, it increasingly sits at the intersection of pupil wellbeing, safeguarding, communication and governance . In this episode of the ISBA Bursarcast , Leo is joined by Professor Bill Ribbans from Luca Health and Mercedes Mills, Lead Physiotherapist at Bryanston School , to explore how thinking around concussion is changing — and what that means for independent schools. They challenge some of the misconceptions that can lead to concussion being missed, examine why symptoms may appear in unexpected ways across the school day, and discuss the importance of putting return to learn alongside return to sport. The conversation also looks at how better policies, clearer communication and smarter use of injury data can help schools move beyond simply responding to incidents towards identifying patterns and reducing future risk. In this episode: The concussion signs schools can easily overlook Why concussion is increasingly a whole-school safeguarding issue Return to learn versus return to play What good policy and governance should look like How concussion data can inform practical decisions and reduce risk A practical discussion for bursars, COOs, governors and school leaders considering whether their current approach to concussion is as robust as it needs to be. GUESTS: Professor Bill Ribbans, Luca Health Mercedes Mills, Bryanston School Find more from Luca here https://luca.health/ Member note: This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through the original ISBA bulletin and linked materials. Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Independent schools are under growing pressure to strengthen compliance, improve financial control and operate more efficiently. This episode of ISBA Bursarcast covers the latest operational developments for independent schools, including safeguarding updates, AI governance, attendance guidance, inspection changes and VAT considerations. Leo then speaks with Neil Cufley of Royal Russell School and Ben Johnston from Alii about digitisation and automation in school finance. They discuss the sector’s reliance on manual processes, inconsistent purchase-order use, limited visibility and the pressure on small finance teams. Neil also shares Royal Russell’s experience of replacing paper-based systems with Ally to improve control, security and efficiency. The conversation makes clear that digital transformation is not just a software project. It depends on clear goals, strong leadership, good data, effective communication and changes in behaviour across the organisation. The episode also explores invoice fraud risk, process mapping and the need for schools to operate with greater commercial discipline in a more challenging financial environment. GUESTS: Neil Cufley, Royal Russell School Ben Johnston, Alii Request a Demo | Alii Member note: This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through the original ISBA bulletin and linked materials. Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special guest episode, we are joined by Laura Mitchelson from Veritas Wild to discuss teacher retention in international schools — and why the retention story often begins long before a teacher reaches the end of their first contract. Together, we explore the transition into a new school, a new country and, often, a new culture. The conversation looks at how early communication, practical preparation and the first few weeks after arrival can shape whether teachers feel confident, connected and likely to stay. For international schools, recruitment is only one part of the staffing challenge. Once an appointment has been made, the quality of the teacher’s early experience can have a lasting impact on morale, belonging and long-term commitment. Laura shares her perspective on the human side of relocation, highlighting why cultural adjustment is different for every individual and why schools should avoid treating induction as a purely administrative process. The episode considers what teachers most need before they arrive, how schools can reduce uncertainty, and why small details in the first few weeks can make a significant difference to how welcome and supported a new colleague feels. Key themes include: • Why retention begins before arrival • The role of clear and reassuring communication • How cultural adjustment varies from person to person • The importance of the first few weeks in-country • How schools can help teachers feel genuinely welcomed, not simply processed • The connection between belonging, confidence and long-term retention • Why transition support is a leadership and culture issue, not just an HR process This conversation is particularly relevant for heads, senior leaders, HR teams, recruitment leads and anyone involved in supporting international staff through relocation and induction. GUEST Laura Mitchelson Veritas Wild EPISODE FOCUS Teacher retention in international schools: communication, cultural adjustment and the first few weeks. LISTENER TAKEAWAYS By the end of the episode, listeners will understand: • Why early transition support matters for long-term retention • How communication before arrival can reduce uncertainty and build trust • Why schools need to recognise individual experiences of cultural adjustment • What makes the first few weeks so important for confidence and belonging • How international schools can take practical steps to improve the teacher transition experience Member note: This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through the original ISBA bulletin and linked materials. Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Bursarcast, we are joined by Julie Robinson, Chief Executive of the Independent Schools Council, and Dr Aidan Tolland, Head of Research and Data at the ISC, to discuss this year’s ISC Census. The conversation looks beyond headline pupil numbers to explore what the data tell us about the independent school sector, including trends in demand, bursaries and fee assistance, boarding, international pupils, affordability, and average fee increases. Julie and Aidan also discuss how ISC uses Census data in its conversations with government and policymakers, and what school leaders should be paying attention to over the next 12 months. For bursars, COOs, heads and senior leaders, the episode offers a practical look at how the Census can support strategic planning, financial modelling, governance discussion and wider sector engagement. Topics include pupil number trends, fee assistance, average fee increases, government engagement, political scrutiny and the key takeaways for senior operational leaders. Member note: This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through the original ISBA bulletin and linked materials. Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s ISBA Bursarcast, we round up the key operational and regulatory issues for independent school leaders as the summer break approaches. The news cycle covers updated ISBA guidance on taking, storing and using images of children, including the growing risks around online image use, livestreaming, smart technology and consent. We also look at the Department for Education’s allergy safety guidance, which is not yet statutory for independent schools but signals an important direction of travel. Also in this episode: the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s consultation on draft technical guidance for schools; continuing financial pressure for schools and parents following the introduction of VAT on fees; and recent government updates on school security, estates, digital infrastructure and operational resilience. After the news roundup, we’re joined by Sue Roxby, Head of Advice and Guidance at ISBA, for an end-of-term conversation. Sue brings updates from ISBA, reflects on recent member priorities, and looks ahead to the issues schools may want to keep in view over the summer. Relevant for bursars, heads, COOs, HR leads, compliance teams, estates leaders and governors. TPS note - announcement was 1st July. For fuller guidance and member resources, ISBA members should refer to the Weekly Bulletin and the ISBA Reference Library. Relevant for: Heads, bursars, COOs, directors of finance and operations, HR leaders, compliance leads, estates teams, safeguarding-adjacent leaders and governors. Member note: This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through the original ISBA bulletin and linked materials. Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s ISBA Newsbeat looks at the operational issues school leaders need on their radar before the new academic year, including TPS changes, statutory mobile phone guidance, VAT year-end considerations, inspection readiness, building safety and changes to regulated activity for volunteers. In this episode: We cover the confirmed reduction in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme employer contribution rate from April 2027, alongside the practical need for schools to register on the new TPS employer portal. We also look at the Department for Education’s statutory guidance on mobile phones in schools, which schools in England should begin following from September 2026, and what this means for policy, behaviour management, safeguarding and parent communication. For finance teams, the episode highlights why schools should approach their second VAT year-end adjustment carefully, rather than assuming last year’s methodology still fits. There is also a reminder on inspection readiness, including the value of reviewing ISI’s Regulatory Audit Document ahead of a possible inspection next term. On estates and compliance, we consider why building safety remains a governance and leadership issue, particularly for schools planning construction, refurbishment or remedial works. Finally, we flag the forthcoming removal of the supervision exemption for volunteers and the implications for safeguarding checks, safer recruitment and volunteer management. Leadership update: This episode also notes a change of leadership at ISBA, as Catherine Spencer OBE begins her tenure as Chief Executive and David Woodgate retires after ten years leading the Association. Relevant for: Heads, bursars, COOs, directors of finance and operations, HR leaders, compliance leads, estates teams, safeguarding-adjacent leaders and governors. Member note: This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through the original ISBA bulletin and linked materials. Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Bursarcast takes a fuller look at the operational issues independent school leaders need on their radar as term draws to a close. We cover the ISC Census 2026, including the fall in pupil numbers and why the data matters for admissions, financial planning, staffing assumptions and how schools evidence public benefit. We also look at hot weather and heatwave management, including risk assessments, vulnerable pupils and staff, reasonable adjustments, timetable changes, uniform expectations and wider duty-of-care considerations. Inspection readiness is another key theme, with a focus on action points and remedial works. Schools need to show that recommendations from audits, assessments and inspections have been prioritised, completed and properly evidenced. The episode also covers the CMA review of the early years childcare market in England, and why schools with nurseries or early years provision should be alert to record-keeping, pricing information and readiness to respond to scrutiny. Fee transparency features through ISBA’s updated briefing on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, with implications for how schools present fees and mandatory charges in parent-facing materials. We also flag the Fair Work Agency and the need for schools to keep employment practices, payroll arrangements and compliance records under review. Digital risk is covered through updates to the DfE digital and technology standards, including cyber security expectations, account controls, backups and incident reporting. Finally, we look at Norway’s cautious approach to AI in schools and what it signals for independent schools developing age-appropriate AI policies. A focused update for bursars, heads, governors, COOs, HR leads, estates teams, compliance leads, admissions teams and senior leaders managing risk, scrutiny and planning pressures Resources Mentioned ISC Census 2026 — available via ISC ISC political toolkit — available in the ISC Member Zone DfE hot weather and heatwaves guidance — available via GOV.UK / The Education Hub UKHSA hot weather guidance for schools and early years settings — available via GOV.UK HSE workplace temperature guidance — available via HSE Royal Life Saving Society drowning prevention resources — available via RLSS UK ISBA inspection tip on action points and remedial works — available in the ISBA bulletin CMA review of the early years childcare market — referenced in the ISBA bulletin ISBA briefing note on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 — available in the ISBA Reference Library VWV article on the Fair Work Agency — referenced in the ISBA bulletin DfE digital and technology standards for schools and colleges — available via GOV.UK Norwegian Government recommendations on AI in schools — available via the Norwegian Government website Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode covers updates to ISBA’s template Allergy Policy, changes to the Model Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, and the forthcoming change to regulated activity rules for volunteers from September 2026. We also consider why the government’s consultation on zero and low hours contracts matters for schools using flexible staffing arrangements, from invigilators and coaches to peripatetic teachers and supply staff. There are also quick reminders on reserves planning, inspection report publication, ISBA Recruitment’s call for qualified interim bursars, and upcoming ISBA CPD opportunities, including the Estates and Health and Safety Conference, HR Conference, Finance Conference, Annual Conference, webinars and the next NABs cohort. A practical, friendly briefing for bursars, heads, HR leads, compliance teams and senior operational leaders preparing for the year ahead. Subscribe & Follow: New episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Get in touch at: podcast@theisba.org.uk Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Bursarcast focuses on the technology, compliance, safeguarding, staffing and financial developments most likely to affect independent school operations. ISBA Technology Survey 2026 and measuring return on digital investment DfE call for evidence on children’s screen use Future scrutiny of EdTech, generative AI, filtering and monitoring Inspection readiness and recurring compliance themes Decommissioning of the ISBA Inspection Toolkit on 31 August 2026 Safeguarding policy updates linked to draft KCSIE 2026 Government consultation on zero and low hours contracts Supreme Court appeals relating to VAT on school fees Energy renewal risk and market volatility Guest segment with Helen Woods on the latest ISBA Annual Conference Key conference learnings for operational planning, governance and sector priorities Resources Mentioned: ISBA Technology Survey 2026 Report DfE call for evidence on children’s screen use ISBA Bursar’s Guide to ISI Inspections ISBA Inspection Toolkit/App notice ISBA Template Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy updates Draft KCSIE 2026 consultation material Government consultation on zero and low-hours contracts Supreme Court VAT legal challenge updates Mindful Energy renewal price forecast ISBA Annual Conference reflections with Helen Woods Subscribe & Follow: New episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Get in touch at: podcast@theisba.org.uk Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Bursarcast focuses on safeguarding, security, complaints, estates compliance and end-of-year operational readiness for independent schools. We cover the DfE consultation on the new information-sharing duty under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act, including the potential implications for safeguarding practice, policy, training, local partnership working, record-keeping and professional judgement. We also flag the Home Office’s statutory guidance on Martyn’s Law, now the main source of information on requirements for premises in scope. Education-specific guidance from the DfE is still awaited, and the law is not expected to come into force until spring 2027. For schools managing parental complaints, we look at the growing use of AI-generated correspondence, including the risk of longer, more legalistic and sometimes inaccurate complaints. The episode highlights the importance of proportionate processes, clear communication boundaries and inspection-ready complaints handling. The end-of-year checklist is another major theme, with finance, payroll, HR and compliance tasks now coming into sharp focus. We cover charity reporting, P11Ds, PAYE Settlement Agreements, audit planning, budget finalisation, payroll updates, National Minimum Wage and mileage-rate checks, SORP preparation, VAT, employment contracts, staff accommodation documents, SCR checks, policy review and strategic risk-register updates. We also look at inspection readiness on water supplies, including drinking water, scalding risk, washing facilities, legionella risk assessments, flushing records, temperature monitoring and maintenance evidence. Digital risk features too, with the launch of the DfE Cyber Security Hub and ISBA’s updated guidance on parent WhatsApp groups, covering data protection, reputation, safeguarding and parent communications. A focused update for bursars, heads, governors, COOs, DSLs, HR leads, estates teams and compliance leads preparing for the final weeks of term and the start of the next academic year. Resources Mentioned DfE consultation on the information-sharing duty under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act — available via GOV.UK Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 — available via GOV.UK Home Office statutory guidance on Martyn’s Law / Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 — available via GOV.UK Security Industry Authority consultation on Martyn’s Law regulatory guidance — available via GOV.UK Stone King guidance on AI and parental complaints — referenced in the ISBA bulletin ParentKind guidance on effective complaint resolution and AI use — available via ParentKind ISBA end-of-academic-year advice and guidance checklist — available in the ISBA bulletin and member resources Charity Commission annual return and accounts filing services — available via GOV.UK Charity Commission for Northern Ireland annual reporting guidance — available via CCNI OSCR annual reporting guidance — available via OSCR HMRC P11D and P11D(b) guidance — available via GOV.UK HMRC PAYE Settlement Agreement guidance — available via GOV.UK ISBA template employment contracts — available in the ISBA Reference Library ISBA staff accommodation contracts — available in the ISBA Reference Library ISBA Bursar’s Guide to ISI Inspection — available in the ISBA Reference Library HSE guidance on Legionella and Legionnaires’ disease — available via HSE Standards for school premises — available via GOV.UK ISBA Approach to Parent WhatsApp Groups guidance — available in the ISBA Reference Library DfE Cyber Security Hub for schools — available via GOV.UK DfE AI support materials for schools and colleges — available via GOV.UK Chartered College of Teaching AI case studies and research articles — available via the Chartered College of Teaching Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Bursarcast focuses on the compliance, safeguarding, staffing and financial governance developments most likely to affect independent school operations. We cover the EHRC’s draft updated Code of Practice, now presented to Parliament, and the connected safeguarding and equality implications for schools as they monitor proposed KCSIE updates on pupils questioning their gender. We also flag safeguarding policy readiness following the updated Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance, including the importance of keeping policy references current and ensuring school practice matches published procedures. For schools providing staff accommodation, we note ISBA’s updated assured periodic tenancy and prior notice of grounds templates, linked to the Renters’ Rights Act. The episode also covers updated reserves and investment policy guidance, HMRC’s approved mileage rates from 6 April 2026, and warnings about business rates agents and cold calling. Digital risk is another theme this week, with practical issues around smart glasses, image capture, acceptable use, exams, visitors and reasonable adjustments. We also look at the wider debate on social media access for under-16s and the direction of travel on mobile phone policy scrutiny. We highlight two senior recruitment opportunities: bursar roles at The King’s Bruton Foundation and Dover College. A focused update for bursars, heads, governors, COOs and senior teams tracking the issues that could shape compliance, safeguarding, staffing, finance, property and operational risk planning. Resources Mentioned EHRC draft updated Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations — available via GOV.UK KCSIE 2026 proposed revisions — available via GOV.UK ISBA webinar: KCSIE on gender questioning pupils – a new statutory safeguarding lens Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 — available via GOV.UK ISBA safeguarding policy template amendments — available in the ISBA Reference Library National Minimum Standards for Boarding — available via GOV.UK Independent School Standards Guidance — available via GOV.UK Digital and technology standards in schools and colleges — available via GOV.UK Children Missing Education guidance — available via GOV.UK ISBA updated assured periodic tenancy agreement and prior notice of grounds templates — available in the ISBA Reference Library ISBA Reserves and Investment Policy Template and Guidance — available in the ISBA Reference Library HMRC travel mileage and fuel rates and allowances — available via GOV.UK Valuation Office Agency guidance on choosing a business rates agent — available via GOV.UK HSE workplace temperature guidance and checklist — available via HSE DfE hot weather and heatwaves guidance for schools and education settings — available via GOV.UK Government consultation and policy material on children’s use of social media — available via GOV.UK ISI consultations on inspection complaints and significant strengths — available via ISI DfE call for evidence on antisemitism in schools and colleges — available via GOV.UK ISBA recruitment: Bursar at The King’s Bruton Foundation ISBA recruitment: Bursar at Dover College Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Bursarcast focuses on the compliance, safeguarding and financial planning developments most likely to affect independent school operations. We cover the new data protection complaints duty under the Data Use and Access Act, fresh guidance on protecting images of children from AI manipulation and abuse, and the latest pensions watchpoint following confirmation of the SCAPE discount rate at CPI plus 2%. We also flag practical inspection-readiness advice on keeping a live log, key policy signals from the King’s Speech, live consultations on children’s use of social media and antisemitism, and DfE updates on AI in education, flu vaccination planning, online misogyny resources and an urgent asbestos-related product safety alert. A focused update for bursars, heads, governors, COOs and senior teams tracking the issues that could shape compliance, safeguarding, finance and operational risk planning. Resources Mentioned ISBA Annual Conference 2026 presentation slides — available in the ISBA Reference Library Protecting images of children from AI manipulation and abuse guidance — available via the UK Online Harms Early Warning Working Group ISBA Taking, Storing and Using Images of Children Policy — available in the ISBA Reference Library ICO guidance on data protection complaints — available via the ICO ISBA data protection complaints guidance note and template complaints form — available in the ISBA Reference Library ISBA external privacy notice template and updated Data Protection Policy — available in the ISBA Reference Library Government consultation: Growing up in the online world — available via GOV.UK DfE call for evidence: Tackling antisemitism in schools and colleges — available via GOV.UK DfE updated guidance on supporting immunisation programmes for children and young people — available via GOV.UK OPSS Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls page — available via GOV.UK DfE AI in education support materials — available via GOV.UK Updated National Minimum Standards for boarding schools and residential special schools — available via GOV.UK Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Bursarcas t focuses on the developments most likely to affect school operations, governance and risk planning. We cover the proposed ISBA and AGBIS merger , ISC’s governance changes, early preparation for Charities SORP 2026, and continuing inspection risk around attendance and compliance evidence. We also flag live ISI consultations, VAT treatment of sponsorship, Canvas/Instructure cyber reports, and a reminder for schools with vehicle operator licences to keep contact details up to date. A focused update for bursars, heads, governors and senior teams tracking the issues that could shape compliance, finance and operational decision-making. Resources Mentioned ISBA/AGBIS merger webinar recording — available in the ISBA Reference Library Charities SORP 2026 Preparation Checklist — available in the ISBA Reference Library ISBA School Attendance Policy template — available in the ISBA Reference Library ISBA Attendance FAQs — available in the ISBA Reference Library ISI consultations on complaints policy and removal of “significant strength” — available in the latest bulletin HMRC VAT Notice 701/41: Sponsorship — https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-notice-70141-sponsorship Manage your vehicle operator licence / VOL account — https://www.gov.uk/manage-vehicle-operator-licence ISBA The Bursar’s Guide to ISI Inspections, Appendix 1 — available in the ISBA Reference Library Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of ISBA Bursarcast , we begin with the latest operational updates for independent school leaders, including new holiday record-keeping duties under the Employment Rights Act 2025, future employment reforms expected in 2027, HMRC payroll changes, inspection readiness reminders and recent updates from the DfE and Charity Commission. We then turn to the wider risk environment facing independent schools. Ian Morgan and Laura Armstrong from Assured Partners ( Gallagher) discuss how schools are managing a more complex landscape shaped by inflation, fee sensitivity, wage growth, demographic change, technology, cyber threats, digital safeguarding and increased political and regulatory scrutiny. They explore the impact of VAT-linked pupil departures , financial strain across the sector, mergers and acquisitions , restructuring, international boarding pressures, estates risk, underinsurance, business continuity planning and more forensic inspection expectations. The conversation also looks at the rising importance of leadership resilience — including preparedness, clear escalation routes, transparent communication, strong governance and reducing over-reliance on individuals. In this episode: Employment Rights Act 2025: holiday record-keeping duties from 6 April 2026 Planning ahead for 2027 employment law changes HMRC updates, including SSP, parental leave and P11D reporting Inspection readiness: written agreements for over-16s living on site DfE updates on medical conditions, allergies, antisemitism and SEND reform Charity Commission updates on online safety and conflicts of interest The changing risk profile for independent schools VAT, fee sensitivity and pupil movement Cyber risk, AI, digital safeguarding and insurance readiness Estates risk, commercial use of facilities and underinsurance Business continuity, governance and leadership resilience Guests Laura Armstrong is a specialist in working with global school groups, independent schools, universities and multi-academy trusts. She has 17 years of experience in the insurance and risk management industry, with strong relationships across the education insurance market. She leads on insurer negotiations, advises on bespoke insurance programmes and structures, and highlights emerging risks for the education sector. Ian Morgan is Risk Services Director at Assured Partners. Chartered since 2012, Ian has worked across the education sector for more than 15 years and as a consultant for eight years, mainly with independent schools and charities. He is a fire risk assessor and leads a team of consultants across the UK. More from them here Useful links and reminders ISBA members can find further details on the weekly bulletin items, including employment guidance, inspection resources and professional development opportunities, through the ISBA website and reference library. The ISBA Annual Conference 2026 takes place from 11 to 13 May at ICC Wales. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s ISBA Bursarcast asks a timely operational question for schools: how secure is the journey between a parent receiving a fee request and the school actually receiving the money? Peter Othen , Director of IT at Magdalen College School, and Simon Freeman , Managing Director of Education at iSAMS , join us to discuss the risks around f ee collection, parent payment scams and the wider cyber challenges facing independent schools. The conversation looks beyond technical systems alone. We explore how fraudsters exploit trust, why parent communications are part of cyber resilience , and how schools can think more strategically about future-proofing their IT infrastructure. Alongside the feature, we deliver a condensed newsbeat from the latest ISBA bulletin , including: residential tenancy changes from 1 May 2026, updated safeguarding expectations under Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026, the SEND reform consultation , mobile phone expectations and inspection readiness, and new data protection complaints requirements from 19 June 2026. What You’ll Learn Why fee collection is becoming a more prominent cyber-risk issue for schools How parents can be targeted by scammers posing as schools or payment providers Why cyber resilience is about communication, trust and process, not just technology What senior leaders should understand about future-proofing school IT systems Why finance, IT and communications teams need to work closely on payment journeys How cyber incidents can create operational, reputational and data protection risk This week’s key operational headlines from the ISBA bulletin Resources Mentioned ISBA Reference Library ISBA guidance on residential tenancies and staff accommodation Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 ISC SEND reform questionnaire and government consultation DfE guidance on mobile phones in schools ISBA GDPR and data protection complaints guidance iSAMS More from iSAMS Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A key question asked this week is, What does catering now signal about culture, quality and the day-to-day school experience? This week’s ISBA Bursarcast opens with the key operational and regulatory developments for the sector this week, including updated Independent School Standards Regulations on restrictive interventions, refreshed Independent Schools Standards Guidance, and sharper inspection expectations around behaviour policy, mobile phones and implementation on the ground. We also look at the wider compliance picture for schools, including the DfE consultation on supporting children with medical conditions and allergy, plus practical reminders on Renters’ Rights, teachers’ pensions re-enrolment, and current health and safety developments. Then, in our guest segment, we are joined by Scott and Robin from sector-leading independent school caterers Holroyd Howe , ahead of the ISBA Annual Conference at ICC Wales, where Holroyd Howe will be one of the headline sponsors. In a wide-ranging discussion, we explore the impact of catering on the school experience for pupils, parents and staff, what best practice looks like, and where school catering may be heading next. Whether your school caters in-house or works with a specialist provider, there are useful takeaways across the school community. In this episode: New ISSR requirements on recording and reporting force, seclusion and restraint Updated Independent Schools Standards Guidance Inspection implications for behaviour, mobile phone policy and staff understanding DfE consultation on medical conditions and allergy Renters’ Rights, TPS automatic re-enrolment and HSE updates Guest discussion with Scott and Robin from Holroyd Howe on catering, culture and the school experience Resources mentioned (Members only) ISBA template Behaviour Management Policy ISBA’s Bursar’s Guide to ISI Inspections ISBA guidance note on TPS and managing automatic re-enrolment ISBA member guidance and source bulletin materials ISBA Annual Conference at ICC Wales More from Holroyd Howe https://holroydhowe.com/ Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast . Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s ISBA Bursarcast brings you a focused newsbeat on staff accommodation, charity accounting reform, safeguarding consultation changes, restrictive intervention duties and key compliance pressures—centred on what bursars and senior leaders need to know now. We cover the new staff accommodation advice ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act changes coming into force from 1 May, the operational implications of Charities SORP 2026, the latest proposed changes in the KCSIE 2026 consultation, and the new legal duties now in force on recording and reporting seclusion and restraint. This episode is designed for time-poor professionals who want clarity, context and practical next steps—without wading through long guidance notes and technical updates. What You’ll Learn What the new staff accommodation guidance means for schools with employees living on site, and why housing arrangements now need active review How Charities SORP 2026 could affect reserves, lease treatment, income recognition, disclosures and covenant discussions What the proposed KCSIE 2026 changes could mean for staff reading requirements, safeguarding policy, DSL cover, mental health, serious violence and AI-related risks Why do the new seclusion and restraint recording duties now need to be live in school systems and parent communication processes What the latest DfE reminder means for schools considering material change applications for September 2026 Why asbestos management, first aid supply checks and workplace stress prevention remain live operational issues What members can expect from Wednesday at the ISBA Annual Conference, including keynote sessions from Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Susannah Streeter Resources Mentioned ISBA Reference Library: Staff Accommodation Advice for Schools in England The new Charities SORP 2026 and ISBA webinar: The New Charities SORP Unpacked DfE consultation on Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 DfE guidance on restrictive interventions, including use of reasonable force, in schools Department for Education guidance on independent schools applying to make a material change HSE and DfE asbestos management resources for schools ISBA Annual Conference 2026 programme and booking information (Full details and links are available via the ISBA Weekly Bulletin and member resources.) Subscribe & Follow ISBA Bursarcast New episodes every Friday at 4pm. Follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Acast to stay informed on the latest in independent school operations. Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.