In this episode, we unpack the latest inspection data from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), break down changes to the HR1 Form from 1 December 2025, and flag urgent implications of the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill.

With compliance rates falling and new legal restrictions coming into force from 2026, schools need to act now to maintain flexibility and meet statutory requirements.

This episode gives bursars, HR leads, and senior staff a concise, practical update on what’s changing—and how to respond.

• Why ISI compliance rates have dropped—and the two areas most schools are struggling with
• Practical steps to improve inspection readiness, based on real inspection findings
• What’s changing with the HR1 Form from 1 December 2025—and how to prepare
• How the Employment Rights Bill will restrict “fire and rehire” and casual staffing arrangements
• Why spring 2026 is a critical window for contractual changes before new rules apply

• Review leadership oversight of safeguarding and attendance compliance
• Update safer recruitment checks and maintain a robust Single Central Record (SCR)
• Familiarise HR teams with the new HR1 Form process and prepare the required data in advance
• Plan staffing reviews now—consult early to retain flexibility ahead of October 2026
• Use the ISBA Advice & Guidance team to sense-check inspection readiness and staffing plans

• ISBA Reference Library – Inspections and Compliance (Login Required)
• Gov.uk – HR1: Advance Notification of Redundancies
• DfE – Working Together to Improve School Attendance (2024)
• HCR Law – Employment Law for Schools

Independent schools face tightening regulations and reduced employment flexibility. This episode outlines what’s coming—and what to do next.

For full guidance, log in to the ISBA Reference Library or contact the Advice and Guidance team at [email protected].

Email: [email protected] – 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 need data they can trust—and use. In this episode, ISBA’s Sue Roxby (re)introduces Data Navigator, a purpose-built benchmarking tool designed specifically for bursars and finance teams across the sector.

With sector-specific metrics, clean visuals, and peer-group comparisons, Data Navigator helps schools move from instinct to evidence—supporting better planning, clearer reporting, and more strategic conversations with heads and governors.

Allan Englelhardt from Barnett Waddingham explains how the tool works in practice, while Sue highlights why this year’s data window (open now until mid-February 2026) is critical to unlocking the tool’s full value for every member school.

Whether you’ve taken part before or are new to benchmarking, this is the year to engage.

• Why ISBA built Data Navigator and how it responds to member needs
• What makes the tool different from generic benchmarking platforms
• How schools can use it to assess staffing, pupil ratios, and operational spending
• Why structured participation now will deliver sector-wide insights by March 2026
• How data collected today can shape future guidance, training, and sector standards

• Register interest: Schools will receive the data form via ISBA communications
• Submit data: All entries must be completed by mid-February 2026
• Access insight: Sector-wide dashboards go live in March 2026, enabling integration into 2026/27 planning

• ISBA Reference Library – Benchmarking Tool Information (Login Required)
• ISBA Advice & Guidance – Need help? [email protected]

Help shape the most accurate, sector-wide financial benchmarking resource available. Submit your school’s data by mid-February and gain valuable insight in March 2026.

ISBA members: this tool was built for you. Let’s make it work for all of us.

Email: [email protected] – 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.

We begin with a concise round-up of the latest ISBA news and bulletin headlines — including sector updates, new resources, and key policy developments for independent schools.

Then we turn to the main feature, where we’re joined once again by Katie Saunders from Furlong to explore how schools can take a strategic, system-wide approach to financial efficiency.

Katie explains how true efficiency goes beyond cost-cutting to include streamlined workflows, automation, and better user experience for teachers, admin teams and support staff. She shares common pain points in financial systems, the role of regular audits and feedback, and the importance of designing processes that scale — not just patchwork fixes for the current budget cycle.

This is a must-listen for any school looking to reduce friction, unlock capacity, and future-proof their financial operations.

• Updates from the latest ISBA news and bulletin headlines
• Why financial efficiency is about systems and people — not just savings
• How to identify bottlenecks and involve staff in process redesign
• The role of third-party audits and user feedback in driving improvements
• Strategic actions schools can take now to embed long-term efficiency

Katie Saunders, TASS Finance Consultant, Furlong Business Solutions

Katie supports schools in transforming their financial processes through smart system design, user-first approaches, and strategic automation. She brings insight from working closely with independent schools across the UK on workflow and efficiency projects that make a measurable difference.

• ISBA Bulletin and News Headlines: available via www.theisba.org.uk
• More on Furlong: https://furlongschoolbase.co.uk/
• Independent schools strategic finance guidance: see ISBA Reference Library
• Case examples and workflow audit tools: contact Furlong directly

If you found this episode useful, please follow or subscribe on your preferred podcast platform.

Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Email the team at [email protected].

And don’t forget — ISBA members can access additional resources on financial efficiency and systems reviews in the ISBA Reference Library after listening.

Email: [email protected] – 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, we are joined by Lucy Wyatt, Director of ISBA’s Recruitment Services, to discuss the growing challenges schools face in recruitment and retention. With rising costs, shifting regulations, and an increasingly competitive job market, Lucy explores how ISBA supports schools in building strong, adaptable teams that can meet the demands of a changing sector.

Lucy shares insights into emerging trends such as the centralisation of business functions and the need for agile, change-ready personnel. She also outlines ISBA’s comprehensive recruitment and mentoring services — designed to help schools find, develop, and retain the right people for long-term success.

• The current recruitment and retention challenges facing independent schools.
• How ISBA’s personnel services support schools with permanent, interim, and mentoring solutions.
• The growing importance of agility, adaptability, and change management in school staffing.
• Aligning recruitment with a school’s ethos, strategy, and future direction.
• Insights into the diverse professional backgrounds entering the independent sector.
• How mentoring and advisory support can strengthen leadership pipelines.
• The latest HR and sector updates impacting recruitment and compliance.
• The latest headlines for the sector
• Key dates and CPD opportunities

Effective recruitment goes beyond filling roles — it’s about finding people who align with a school’s culture, values, and strategic goals. With the right guidance, planning, and mentoring, schools can build resilient teams ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

[ISBA Personnel Services – link]

Lucy's Wyatt contact details: 07817 038009

[email protected]

https://www.theisba.org.uk/

Email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO

www.rafikistudio.com

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In this episode, Lou Bennett ( CEO of IDPE) joins us to discuss why senior leadership engagement is the cornerstone of successful fundraising in schools. As financial pressures grow, Lou introduces the Fundraising Futures Report — a practical framework to help schools diversify income, build community relationships, and embed fundraising into long-term strategy.

• Why schools must diversify income and invest in fundraising.
• The Fundraising Futures Report and its six key success factors.
• The vital role of heads and governors in driving a culture of philanthropy.
• Building lasting relationships with parents, alumni, and the wider community.
• How to set meaningful KPIs and measure engagement beyond financial targets.
• 
  

Fundraising thrives when leaders lead. With a clear strategy, community engagement, and active involvement from heads and governors, schools can build sustainable fundraising programmes that align with their broader vision.

• [Fundraising Futures Report – link]
• [ISBA Development Resources – link]

Email: [email protected] – 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 edition of The Bursarcast Podcast, we begin with a concise round-up of the latest ISBA news and bulletin headlines — including sector updates, new resources, and key policy developments for independent schools.

Then we turn to the main feature, where we’re joined by Paul Gregory, Group Commercial Director at HSEnergy Group, to explore how schools can take practical steps toward energy independence.

Paul explains how HSEnergy is helping schools address rising energy costs and sustainability targets through solar generation, AI-powered battery storage, and fully funded energy solutions that require no upfront investment. He shares real examples from education projects across the UK, showing how intelligent energy management can reduce reliance on the grid, lower costs, and strengthen resilience — while allowing schools to lead the way in sustainable innovation.

• Updates from the latest ISBA news and bulletin headlines
• How AI-powered battery systems help schools optimise solar energy use
• Understanding fully funded energy models and how they deliver savings
• Case studies from schools already benefitting from these innovations
• Practical steps towards achieving energy independence and carbon reduction

Paul Gregory, Group Commercial Director, HSEnergy Group

Paul specialises in energy strategy and sustainable infrastructure, working with schools and public sector organisations to deliver efficient, cost-effective solutions that combine renewable generation, storage, and intelligent optimisation.

• ISBA Bulletin and News Headlines: available via www.theisba.org.uk
• See more from HSEnergy at www.hsenergy.co.uk
• Contact: [email protected] for details on school energy projects
• ISBA Sustainability Resources and Guidance Notes (Reference Library)

If you found this episode useful, please follow or subscribe on your preferred podcast platform.

Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Email the team at [email protected].

And don’t forget — ISBA members can access additional sustainability resources and guidance in the ISBA Reference Library after listening.

Email: [email protected] – 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 edition of Bursarcast, we bring you a crisp, up‑to‑date news roundup followed by a deep dive with Kieran Smith and Josie Morgan Jones from Crowe, discussing VAT issues for independent schools.

Highlights include:

• The 2025 refresh of ISBA’s parent contract templates, and the new offer letter and bursary conditions documents
• ISBA’s confidential mentoring service: what it is and how it works
• A refreshed policy on Martyn’s Law, and how it’s shaping requirements for education settings
• Clarification on the DfE / ISI inspectorate transfer process for schools that join a recognised association

Then we hand over to Sue Roxby to host Kieran and Josie from Crowe for the VAT segment, where we’ll explore key issues, upcoming risks, and practical steps for schools.

Kieran Smith & Josie Morgan Jones, Crowe

Experts in tax, accounting and charitable status in education, Kieran and Josie join us to unpack VAT challenges facing independent schools, especially where bursaries, grants, and income streams intersect.

• ISBA Reference Library: 2025 Parent Contract templates & comparison tool
• Recording of the ISBA webinar on the parent contract updates
• GOV.UK: policy paper on Martyn’s Law (10 October update)
• DfE / ISI inspectorate transfer guidance
• Contact for ISBA mentoring service: Lucy Wyatt ➜ [email protected]
• Josie and Kieran: [email protected], [email protected]

If you found this episode useful, please follow/subscribe on your preferred podcast platform.

Have questions, or want us to cover a topic in a future episode? Email us at [email protected].

And if you’re an ISBA member, don’t forget to check your Reference Library after listening — those updated templates and supplementary materials will be there for you.

Email: [email protected] – 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 episode, we’re tackling two key areas that are front of mind for many school leaders right now: crisis leadership and inspection readiness.

[News Round-Up | 00:00 – 04:00]

We start with the latest sector updates, including insights from the newly released ISI Annual Review of Inspections 2024–25. With a notable dip in compliance rates — down to 82.1% for routine inspections — we highlight where schools are falling short and what lessons can be drawn, particularly in areas such as safeguarding, attendance, and safer recruitment checks.

We also look at the recent update to ISBA’s Attendance Policy Template, following reports from members that inspectors are expecting to see statutory attendance codes included in documentation. While not a formal regulatory requirement, we explore why it may now be considered best practice and what has changed in the updated template.

[Guest Interview | 4.00 – End]

Our guest this week is Richard Gordon, Director of the Bournemouth University Disaster Management Centre. Richard brings decades of expertise in crisis management and has worked closely with ISBA on enhancing leadership readiness in the independent sector.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why school leadership teams must move beyond reactive crisis management
• The value of scenario-based exercises, even when time is tight
• Key crisis scenarios schools should prepare for — from safeguarding issues to reputational risks
• How better planning could also support schools' relationships with insurers
• And what the next evolution of crisis capability might look like for independent schools

If you’re thinking about resilience planning, preparing for the unexpected, or improving decision-making under pressure, this one’s not to be missed.

📌 Resources and links mentioned:

• ISI Annual Review of Inspections 2024–25
• ISBA Webinar: Preparing for Inspection – The New Normal
• ISBA Reference Library – Updated Attendance Policy Template

💡 For further guidance on inspections, compliance, or crisis planning, ISBA members can contact the Advice and Guidance team or browse additional materials in the Reference Library.

📣 Not yet a member? Learn more about how ISBA supports independent schools at theisba.org.uk

Email: [email protected] – 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, we’re focusing on a topic that affects every operational role across independent schools: how ISBA can best support its members – now and in the future.

Joining us is:

Sue Roxby, Head of Advice and Guidance at ISBA.

Together, we unpack the purpose, scope, and importance of the 2025 ISBA Member Survey, which is now open to all registered school contacts.

Topics include:

• Why ISBA is running its most comprehensive survey to date
• What’s new in this year’s questions – and what we’re hoping to learn
• How long the survey takes and why your individual response matters
• What happens with your feedback – and how ISBA plans to act on it

Whether you're a bursar, finance lead, estates manager or part of a wider operational team, this is a key moment to shape the services and support you receive.

We also explain how the survey is being managed independently by Research by Design, ensuring confidentiality and data protection at every step.

Member Updates & Reminders

• ISBA 2025 Member Survey is now open – check your inbox for your personalised link and respond by 20 October.
• CPD Opportunities:
• ISBA’s Autumn Webinar Series is underway – covering topics from estates management to compliance updates.
• View and register via the ISBA Reference Library (members only).
• Need HR or legal advice? Don’t forget the Advice & Guidance Team is just an email or call away. Many queries can be addressed through the Reference Library, which now includes updated templates for the 2025/26 academic year.

Email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

Email: [email protected] – 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, we’re diving into a topic that’s always on the radar for school leaders and operational staff: inspections.

Joining us is:

Durell Barnes, consultant and inspections expert

Together, we explore how to stay inspection-ready without letting it become an operational drain.

Topics include:

• The latest thinking on compliance and safeguarding
• What inspectors are really looking for in 2025
• Practical steps schools can take this term to feel confident and prepared

We also highlight a brand-new inspection webinar now available in the ISBA Reference Library, designed to help bursars, DSLs and leadership teams navigate the process clearly and calmly.

🔐 Sector News You Can’t Miss:

This week’s bulletin includes several key updates:

• VAT and bursary grants – why HMRC sees some charitable support as taxable, and what that means for schools
• New PRS & PPL Digital Music Licences – covering digital streaming, video use and internal music storage
• Recruitment spotlight – Cransley School seeks a Director of Finance
• NAB Cohort #16 – Meeting 2 on Safeguarding & SCR (29 Sept) and Meeting 3 on Finance & Mentoring (8 Oct)
• So You Want to Be a Bursar – Feb 2026 programme now open for booking
• 
  

📌 Resources & Links Mentioned:

• ISBA Reference Library – inspection webinar and all bulletin documentation
• CEFM Contact – for queries about digital music licences
• ISBA Advice & Guidance Team – for VAT or bursary grant queries
• Membership Support – help accessing NAB sessions: [email protected]

💡 Subscribe & Share

Don't miss an episode – follow the ISBA Weekly Podcast on your preferred platform and share it with colleagues across operations, estates, compliance and finance.

📬 Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover?

Email us at [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

Email: [email protected] – 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.