//podcastplus.net/feed/podcast~65e45d6ac81ffdd90adfbd613cfd2ad3e6476886190165993bc0f943eb77686f 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 STUDIOwww.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:04:49 +0000 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/68cd3cac203f72ea57eef43d/media.mp3 This week’s episode covers the latest updates affecting independent schools, with a particular focus on school furniture . We welcome a full panel of expert guests from Morleys (Janinne Taylor, Chanelle Williams, Katie Kerwin & Harriet Newman) to share trends and insights on the sector's built environment. Together they share: Best practice when designing educational spaces How to ensure you remain compliant Top tips for getting the best products for your space What to look for when choosing suppliers How to get the most for your money Sector News You Can’t Miss: We also bring you this week’s must-know updates from the ISBA Bulletin, including: SI Framework & Documents Updated New EU Entry/Exit System for Travel New Roles at St George’s and The Cavendish Key dates for CPD events Subscribe & Share Don't miss an episode – follow the ISBA Weekly Podcast on your preferred platform and share with colleagues in school operat... Fri, 19 Sep 2025 11:21:09 +0000 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/68cd3cac203f72ea57eef43d/media.mp3 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/68c436ad24c6e67e68b4b2fe/media.mp3 This week’s episode covers the latest updates affecting independent schools, with a particular focus on compliance, finance, and statutory duties. We also welcome expert guests Ian Morgan (Risk Services Director) and Dom Haigh (Risk Services Associate) from Assured Partners to discuss the new fire safety guidance and its practical implications for school operations and estates teams. Together they share: Key changes around fire safety and assessing Important updates to legislation Handy warnings around lithium-ion batteries and associated devices Real-world examples of assessing going well - and badly Sector News You Can’t Miss: We also bring you this week’s must-know updates from the ISBA Bulletin, including: New Statutory Guidance: Children Missing Education VAT Return Errors – New HMRC Guidance New Roles at St George’s and The Cavendish Subscribe & Share Don't miss an episode – follow the ISBA Weekly Podcast on your preferred platform... Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:05:11 +0000 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/68c436ad24c6e67e68b4b2fe/media.mp3 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/68baff684629f1c6bebcd062/media.mp3 This week, we’re tackling a topic that’s high on the operational agenda: school transport . Joining us are: Dominic Kalantary , Co-Founder of Vectare , and Alex Hume , Operations & Compliance Director at Northampton High School (GDST) Together, they share real-world insights into: Cutting costs without cutting corners Going digital with route planning and communication Safety, sustainability, and smart strategy Whether you manage an in-house fleet or outsource, this is essential listening. Sector News You Can’t Miss: We also bring you this week’s must-know updates from the ISBA Bulletin, including: Online SCR data breach – what bursars need to do now KCSIE 2025 – final changes and what’s still to come Martyn’s Law – preparing for 2027 without overreacting now Chair of Governors – important DfE clarification for new appointments EYFS framework – what's changed from September Charity SORP 2026 – lease reporting & i... Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:19:03 +0000 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/68baff684629f1c6bebcd062/media.mp3 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/68b19eeb218ce9e1cbf352e8/media.mp3 In this episode of the ISBA Bursarcast , we explore how independent schools are using smart technology to strengthen safeguarding and enhance estate security — from discreet vape detection systems to cloud-based CCTV and integrated access control . We’re joined by Tom Piggott from Verkada , a leading manufacturer of modern security solutions, and Mark Power from Net-Ctrl , one of the UK’s top-tier integrators for Verkada systems. Together, they share expert insights and real-world examples of how schools are deploying these technologies to reduce risk, improve emergency response, and support pupil wellbeing. We cover: Why vape detection is becoming a safeguarding priority How Verkada’s sensor technology works and where it’s most effective The role of IP-CCTV, access control and visitor management in safer estates Common concerns from school estates teams — and how to overcome them Practical examples of multi-year rollouts and post-installation support Whet... Fri, 29 Aug 2025 12:36:59 +0000 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/68b19eeb218ce9e1cbf352e8/media.mp3 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/Buzzsprout-17716749/media.mp3 This week on the ISBA Bursarcast: Is solar right for your school—and can it really be affordable, low-risk, and disruption-free? We’re joined by Chris Styles , Commercial Director at Westwood Energy , to unpack what solar energy looks like in practice for independent schools. From navigating heritage buildings and campus constraints, to funding options with no upfront cost, Chris offers clear, practical advice for bursars and estates leads who are curious—but cautious. You’ll learn: Why now might be the right time to explore solar How to tailor a solar design to your school’s unique site What funding models work best for schools (including capex-free options) How to plan for smooth installation and long-term maintenance What to expect from Westwood Energy at the upcoming ISBA Estates Conference Whether you're at the start of your sustainability journey or ready to run a tender, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to explore solar as part of your ... Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/Buzzsprout-17716749/media.mp3 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/Buzzsprout-17675097/media.mp3 This week’s ISBA Bursarcast delivers a fast-paced round-up of the latest regulatory and operational updates for UK independent schools—followed by a practical conversation on risk management with Sarah Pearson from Ecclesiastical Insurance. Headlines include : HMRC’s VAT ruling on RNCSF SpringBoard grants – what schools must do now Updated ISBA employment contract templates and DBS clause Tax-Free Childcare: What parents can use for Reception fees Scam alert targeting new joiner families – what to watch for EAA compliance: Are your school’s websites accessible to EU parents? CPD events, recruitment opportunities, and more In our guest segment : Sarah Pearson, education sector specialist at Ecclesiastical Insurance , joins us to share expert insights on: The evolving risk landscape for independent schools How to identify and address your school’s biggest risk vulnerabilities Practical steps for improving resilience—from buildings to data protectio... Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/Buzzsprout-17675097/media.mp3 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/Buzzsprout-17634066/media.mp3 In this episode of the ISBA Bursarcast, we speak with Sue Roxby, ISBA’s Head of Advice and Guidance , about the forthcoming member survey and the wider issues currently affecting independent schools. Sue shares how the survey will work this year, what it aims to achieve, and why input from members will be vital in shaping ISBA’s strategy. The discussion also covers the key considerations for bursars and school leaders as the new academic year begins – from budgets and forecasting to compliance, VAT, pensions, and safeguarding. Listeners will also hear updates on: The Teachers’ Pension Scheme rate change due in 2027 Handling fees in advance and recent media interest Developments in safeguarding and allergy awareness Sustainability planning and government expectations The impact of VAT on bursary provision and how schools can respond This episode offers clear, practical guidance for leaders looking to make informed decisions and navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the ... Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0000 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/Buzzsprout-17634066/media.mp3 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/Buzzsprout-17598598/media.mp3 Recruitment in independent schools can be challenging – from finding the right skills to ensuring a perfect fit for your school’s unique culture. In this episode of the ISBA Bursarcast , we speak with Lucy Wyatt from ISBA’s Personnel Services to uncover how their tailored recruitment model helps schools find the right people when they need them. We explore: How ISBA’s recruitment service began and why it’s designed specifically for independent schools. The benefits of using ISBA for both permanent and interim placements . How the mentoring programme supports newly appointed and experienced bursars. Why ISBA’s deep sector knowledge and value‑driven approach makes a difference. Whether you’re a bursar looking to fill a role, an HR lead planning your next hire, or simply curious about how ISBA can support your operational team, this conversation is packed with practical insight and advice. Contact recruitment at  recruiting@theisba.org.uk or Lucy Wyatt ... Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/Buzzsprout-17598598/media.mp3 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/Buzzsprout-17526515/media.mp3 In this week’s ISBA Bursarcast, we guide you through a packed bulletin of sector-wide updates, including significant changes to RSHE guidance, a draft of Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, and a roadmap for the Employment Rights Bill—the biggest overhaul of employment law in decades. We also cover new compliance guidance on early years funding, scam warnings, data breach protocols, and lessons from recent HSE prosecutions. Plus, our guest this week is Sam Coutinho , a leading voice in school governance and independent education risk consultancy. Sam joins us to reflect on the key challenges faced by school governors over the past year—from navigating political uncertainty and financial pressures to supporting senior leaders with sensitive, strategic decisions.  We explore how governance is evolving, what governors need to know about collaboration and mergers, and why now more than ever, investment in governor training is critical. Tune in to get ahead on: RSHE statutory reforms a... Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/Buzzsprout-17526515/media.mp3 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/Buzzsprout-17489401/media.mp3 This week on The ISBA Bursarcast , we’re joined by Sue Roxby , Head of Advice and Guidance at ISBA, and Hugh Young , Senior Associate at Farrer & Co, to unpack the practical implications of the Employment Rights Bill for independent schools. With key provisions — including changes to “fire and rehire” practices — now set to come into force in October 2026 , schools have a critical window for thoughtful consultation and planning. Sue and Hugh share highlights from ISBA’s recent webinar and provide clear, actionable advice for bursars and senior leaders preparing for pension restructuring, contract variations, and wider workforce changes. Expect expert insight on timelines, pitfalls, and why early engagement with staff really matters. Plus, in this week’s news roundup: Updates to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 — what’s changed, and what might still change The VAT warning every finance lead should hear before issuing September bills New guidance on ... Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/e/Buzzsprout-17489401/media.mp3