ISBA BURSARCAST

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to ISBA Bursarcast , the podcast designed for everyone involved in the management of independent schools. Whether you work in finance, estates, HR, transport, or any other school leadership role , this podcast brings you the latest sector news, expert insights, and practical advice to support your work. Each Friday at 4 pm , we deliver in-depth conversations with sector professionals, industry experts, and ISBA members , keeping you informed on the issues that matter most to independent schools. Tune in for essential updates, best practices, and strategic insights to help your school thrive. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform and stay ahead of the curve with ISBA Bursarcast . The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO www.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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60 recent

October 30, 20266 min

ISBA BURSARCAST // Antisemitism Review, Employment Law Changes & School Security (30th October 2026)

In this week's ISBA Bursarcast, we look at the latest regulatory, safeguarding and operational developments affecting independent schools, including new expectations following the government's review into antisemitism, changes to employment law and important reminders about school security. This week's key stories include: Antisemitism in schools: The government accepts all 27 recommendations from Sir David Bell's independent review. What do the new safeguarding, training and inspection expectations mean for schools in England? Employment law updates: The government's fire and rehire reforms have been delayed until March 2027, with a consultation on the revised Code of Practice open until 17 December. School security and inspections: Updated DfE guidance highlights the importance of effective building access controls, visitor management and site-specific risk assessments. Cybersecurity and data protection: An ICO investigation involving a 12-year-old test account and the password 'Password1' offers a stark reminder about basic cyber hygiene. Screen time in schools: How are independent schools managing pupil screen use? ISBA is inviting members to share their approaches through a short survey. Early years childcare: Ofsted has updated its guidance on registration requirements for school-based and wraparound provision. We also highlight upcoming ISBA regional meetings, the November HR Conference and the newly opened bookings for the February 2027 Finance Conference. Further information Full guidance, consultation details, event bookings and the screen-time survey are available through the latest ISBA Weekly Bulletin and the ISBA Reference Library. Subscribe & Follow New episodes of ISBA Bursarcast are released every Friday at 4pm, bringing you the latest sector news, practical insights and expert conversations for independent school leaders. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Acast or via the ISBA website. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? Contact 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.

October 23, 20267 min

ISBA BURSARCAST // School Website Security Alert, Parent Contracts & Employment Law (23rd October 2026)

An urgent cyber security warning, changes to school parent contracts, and new employment law obligations are among the key developments affecting independent schools this week. In this episode of the ISBA Bursarcast , we bring you a concise roundup of the latest operational, regulatory and sector news, highlighting the developments that bursars, heads and senior leadership teams need to have on their radar. This week's key stories include: Cyber security – urgent PHP vulnerability: The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued an alert concerning a serious PHP security vulnerability. With many independent school websites potentially affected, schools are being urged to check their systems and take appropriate action. Updated ISBA Model Parent Contract: The 2026–27 model contract introduces changes covering fees, deposits, parental behaviour and school closure. What should schools be reviewing? Employment law – third-party harassment: New duties taking effect on 30 October 2026 raise important questions about protecting school employees from harassment by parents, visitors and other third parties. Flexible working and bereavement leave: Forthcoming employment reforms could have significant implications for school staffing policies and operational planning. Inspection and compliance: ISBA clarifies the position on School Food Standards and publishing remote learning arrangements. Sector updates: Members approve resolutions connected to the proposed ISBA–AGBIS merger, while the closure of Rendcomb College presents an opportunity for schools to acquire equipment through an online auction. We also highlight the latest issue of The Bursar's Review , upcoming regional meetings and professional development opportunities. Further information ISBA members can access the full bulletin, updated guidance, model documents and supporting resources through the ISBA Reference Library . For the latest independent school news, compliance updates and practical insights for bursars and senior leaders, subscribe to the ISBA Bursarcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. 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.

October 16, 202637 min

ISBA BURSARCAST // The Long Game: Making Better Capital Decisions with Guy Collins-Down, COO Alleyn's (16th October 2026)

This week, we’re doing things a little differently. Rather than our usual weekly news updates, this special episode of Bursarcast is devoted to one of the biggest operational challenges facing schools: how to make good capital decisions when budgets are under increasing pressure. Leo is joined by Guy Collins-Down, COO of Alleyn’s School, for a practical conversation about estates, investment and the choices schools make when there is simply more to do than there is money available. Guy shares how Alleyn’s assesses competing capital projects, why educational impact is only part of the equation, and how a more structured approach can stop investment decisions being driven by whoever shouts the loudest. They also explore the hidden cost of deferred maintenance; why mechanical and engineering systems can become particularly expensive when overlooked; and how better data can reveal inefficiencies that would otherwise remain invisible. The conversation moves into the idea of the “smart school” — using information about buildings, energy use and occupancy to make better operational decisions — as well as the importance of bringing estates, IT and sustainability planning together rather than treating them as separate projects. Guy also reflects on the value of consultation, what he has learned from more than 20 years working in educational design and capital projects, and why bursars facing a long project list and a short budget should ultimately “play the long game”. In this episode: Prioritising capital projects when budgets are constrained Balancing educational impact with cost savings and income potential The real cost of deferring maintenance Using condition surveys and building data more effectively Why schools can end up paying twice when IT, sustainability and estates are planned separately Thinking strategically about energy, networks and future infrastructure Consultation, governance and collective decision-making When spending more upfront can save considerably more later Advice for bursars operating without large in-house teams Why long-term operational cost should influence today’s capital decisions And, naturally, we finish with the important question of Guy’s favourite Lego project. GUEST: Guy Collins-Down, COO Alleyn's School Member note: This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through ISBA and the relevant 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.

October 9, 20266 min

ISBA BURSARCAST // Safeguarding, Inspection Risks and Financial Deadlines (9th October 2026)

In this edition of ISBA Bursarcast , we highlight the key regulatory, financial and operational developments affecting UK independent schools, drawn from ISBA Bulletin No. 31 – 8 October 2026 . This week's briefing focuses on new safeguarding obligations, inspection expectations, employment compliance and important deadlines for bursars, heads and school leadership teams. In this episode: Safeguarding information sharing: A new statutory duty came into force on 30 September, with implications for school policies, procedures and data protection. Parental complaints and ISI inspections: Updated inspection guidance brings greater attention to how schools recognise and manage data protection complaints. Teachers' Pensions: An urgent employer portal registration deadline and a planned service interruption affecting pension administration. Capital Goods Scheme: Why schools may want to revisit historic capital expenditure for potential VAT recovery. Right to Work compliance: An updated Home Office code of practice and its relevance to school recruitment procedures. Financial updates: PAYE Settlement Agreement deadlines and temporary VAT relief on qualifying electricity supplies. Further information This episode provides a selective overview of the issues most relevant to school operational leaders. It is not a substitute for detailed regulatory, legal or financial guidance. For the full updates, supporting resources and practical guidance, members should consult ISBA Bulletin No. 31 (8 October 2026) and the ISBA Reference Library . ISBA Bursarcast — concise, relevant operational intelligence for the people leading and managing independent schools. Member note: This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through ISBA and the relevant 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.

October 2, 202634 min

ISBA BURSARCAST // When Physical Security Becomes Digital Infrastructure ft. Net-Ctrl (2nd October 2026)

Physical security is no longer simply an estates issue. For schools, it increasingly sits at the intersection of IT, safeguarding, cyber security, operational resilience and governance . In this episode of the ISBA Bursarcast , Leo is joined again by Tom Piggott from Verkada / Net-Ctrl to explore how physical security is changing — and what that means for independent schools. They discuss the growing “IT-ification” of physical security , as CCTV, access control, alarms and environmental monitoring become increasingly connected to a school’s wider digital infrastructure. The conversation looks at why estates and IT teams need to work more closely together, and the cyber-security questions schools should be asking as more physical systems become networked. The episode also examines where AI is genuinely beginning to make a practical difference , from natural-language searches and automated alerts to identifying patterns within footage — while considering the equally important questions around permissions, privacy and data governance. Beyond security itself, Tom explains how connected systems can also provide useful operational insight, including environmental monitoring, space utilisation and understanding movement around the school estate. In this episode: What the “IT-ification” of physical security means for schools Why estates and IT teams increasingly need to work together The cyber-security questions schools should ask about connected security systems How to think about warranty, support and total cost of ownership Where AI is already having a practical impact on physical security The privacy and governance considerations that come with smarter systems How security infrastructure can support wider operational decision-making What schools should consider when reviewing ageing or fragmented systems A practical discussion for bursars, COOs, estates teams, IT leaders and senior staff considering whether their school’s physical security infrastructure is keeping pace with the way technology — and the risks surrounding it — are changing. GUEST: Tom Piggott, Verkada https://www.verkada.com/uk/ Find more from Net-Ctrl here:https://www.net-ctrl.com/ Member note: This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through ISBA and the relevant 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.

September 25, 20266 min

ISBA BURSARCAST // Safeguarding, Pensions and Compliance: What Schools Need to Know (25th September 2026)

In this episode of the ISBA Bursarcast Information sharing and safeguarding New statutory guidance on information sharing comes into force on 30 September 2026 , supporting a new duty under the Children Act 2004. Schools will need to consider the implications for safeguarding practice, information-sharing procedures and data protection. Pupil volunteering and DBS checks Further clarification from the DfE explains how the peer exemption applies when older pupils volunteer with younger children. The position differs depending on whether volunteering takes place within the same school or at another school, with potential implications for partnership and outreach activity. Teachers’ Pension Scheme Schools participating in TPS should ensure their audited End of Year Certificate is submitted by 30 September 2026 . Primary contacts should also register for the new TCS Employer Portal by 9 October 2026 , ahead of the transfer of scheme administration on 1 November. ISBA has also responded to questions around the recent change in the TPS contribution rate, with further member guidance available through its webinar and FAQ resources. Charity accounting The Charity Commission has updated its accounting guidance to reflect SORP 2026 and new thresholds applying to financial years ending on or after 30 September 2026 . Schools should make sure finance teams, auditors and governors are working from the revised guidance. Inspection readiness and the SCR With new staff in post and recent changes affecting volunteers and EYFS staff, ISBA is encouraging schools to check that their Single Central Record and wider vetting processes are accurate and up to date. Wider regulatory updates The Department for Education has updated its guidance on material change applications for independent schools, while new resources have also been published to support implementation of Martyn’s Law. Companies House has also announced the first prosecutions linked to failures around director identity verification, making this an important governance check for schools and governing bodies. Full guidance and member resources are available through the ISBA Weekly Bulletin and Reference Library. This week also includes further updates and resources across strategic planning, UKVI compliance, estates and health and safety, regional meetings and sector events. 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.

September 18, 20265 min

ISBA BURSARCAST // Pensions, Cyber Risk and Inspection Readiness (18th September 2026)

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.

September 11, 20267 min

ISBA BURSARCAST // Back to School: Safeguarding, Inspection and Finance (11th September 2026)

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.

August 28, 202627 min

ISBA BURSARCAST // Back-to-Term Risk — Compliance, Cyber and Allergy Safety Ft. Foodbuy (28th August 2026)

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.

August 21, 202633 min

ISBA BURSARCAST // Concussion in Schools: From Head Injury to Whole-School Safeguarding ft. Luca Health (21st August 2026)

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.