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.
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.
In this final briefing of 2025, we cover urgent and practical updates for independent school business leaders—starting with a fraud alert on a payroll scam targeting school offices. We also unpack new legal requirements for Companies House ID verification, share how you can benefit from ISBA’s enhanced benchmarking tool, and outline how to correct VAT return errors. Plus, inspection trends, conference highlights, and key training dates for the new year.
What’s Inside:
Useful Links:
Key Deadlines:
Contact ISBA Advice & Guidance:
📧 AdviceatISBA@theisba.org.uk
Subscribe for Weekly Briefings:
Stay updated with ISBA sector insights every Friday at 4pm. Available wherever you get your podcasts.
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, we cover critical end-of-term updates from ISBA Bulletin No. 27 — including new retention advice for recruitment records, UCAS contextual data for FSM-eligible pupils, and a renewed push to get schools participating in the Data Navigator benchmarking tool.
We also unpack the latest guidance on VAT and early years funding, highlight the final call for the 2026 Tech Survey, and offer procurement insights for schools renewing energy contracts in 2026.
This episode gives bursars, finance leads, and senior operational staff a clear, concise overview of what’s changing — and what steps to take before term ends.
Independent schools are entering a high-stakes period for compliance, planning and benchmarking. This episode helps you close the term well and start 2026 prepared.
For personalised guidance, contact the ISBA Advice and Guidance team at adviceat@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.
Julie Robinson, CEO of the ISC joins us this week to unpack the latest pressures on the independent sector—from pupil number drops and VAT concerns to Autumn Budget implications and staffing risks.
We touch on headline data, including a 3.6% fall in pupil numbers, and explore wider financial signals like rising staff costs and a new cap on pension-related NI relief.
Also covered: changes to unfair dismissal law, SEND funding reform, and how schools are using partnerships to stay resilient in challenging conditions.
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, 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.
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 adviceat@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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
Katie Saunders, Senior Finance Consultant and Customer Care Manager at 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.
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 podcast@theisba.org.uk.
And don’t forget — ISBA members can access additional resources on financial efficiency and systems reviews in the ISBA Reference Library after listening.
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.
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
LucyWyatt@theisba.org.uk
https://www.theisba.org.uk/
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 podcast@theisba.org.uk.
And don’t forget — ISBA members can access additional sustainability resources and guidance in the ISBA Reference Library after listening.
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:
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.
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 podcast@theisba.org.uk.
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.
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:
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:
💡 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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎙️ ISBA Weekly Podcast | Episode: Your Voice Matters – Shaping ISBA’s Future Through the 2025 Member Survey
🗓️ Released: Friday, 3 October 2025
🎧 Duration: approx. 25 minutes
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:
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
💡 Subscribe & Share
Don't miss an episode – follow the ISBA Weekly Podcast on your platform of choice and share it with colleagues across estates, finance, operations and leadership.
📬 Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover?
Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you.
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:
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:
📌 Resources & Links Mentioned:
💡 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 podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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:
We also bring you this week’s must-know updates from the ISBA Bulletin, including:
💡 Subscribe & Share
Don't miss an episode – follow the ISBA Weekly Podcast on your preferred platform and share with colleagues in school operations, compliance, estates, and finance.
📬 Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover?
Email us at podcast@theisba.org.uk
Independent schools vary widely in terms of their size, pupil population, location, provision and practice. Documents are offered as guidance only, in order to help schools prepare their own in a way that suits their own circumstances and reflects the needs of their own community, and the ISBA and our partners who have assisted in the production of the documents accept no liability for any claims or losses arising from their use. Before using documents from the ISBA library, and particularly after adapting them, schools should take specific legal advice
The ISBA Bursarcast is a RAFIKI STUDIO production
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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:
We also bring you this week’s must-know updates from the ISBA Bulletin, including:
💡 Subscribe & Share
Don't miss an episode – follow the ISBA Weekly Podcast on your preferred platform and share with colleagues in school operations, compliance, estates, and finance.
📬 Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover?
Email us at podcast@theisba.org.uk
Independent schools vary widely in terms of their size, pupil population, location, provision and practice. Documents are offered as guidance only, in order to help schools prepare their own in a way that suits their own circumstances and reflects the needs of their own community, and the ISBA and our partners who have assisted in the production of the documents accept no liability for any claims or losses arising from their use. Before using documents from the ISBA library, and particularly after adapting them, schools should take specific legal advice
The ISBA Bursarcast is a RAFIKI STUDIO production
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, we’re tackling a topic that’s high on the operational agenda: school transport.
Joining us are:
Together, they share real-world insights into:
We also bring you this week’s must-know updates from the ISBA Bulletin, including:
📌 Resources & Links Mentioned:
💡 Subscribe & Share
Don't miss an episode – follow the ISBA Weekly Podcast on your preferred platform and share with colleagues in school operations, compliance, estates, and finance.
📬 Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover?
Email us at podcast@theisba.org.uk
Independent schools vary widely in terms of their size, pupil population, location, provision and practice. Documents are offered as guidance only, in order to help schools prepare their own in a way that suits their own circumstances and reflects the needs of their own community, and the ISBA and our partners who have assisted in the production of the documents accept no liability for any claims or losses arising from their use. Before using documents from the ISBA library, and particularly after adapting them, schools should take specific legal advice
The ISBA Bursarcast is a RAFIKI STUDIO production
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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:
Whether you're considering your first step into smart security or managing a complex school estate, this episode offers valuable guidance tailored to bursars, estates managers, and operational leads across the independent school sector.
Tom Piggott – UK Security Solutions Lead, Verkada
Mark Power – Project Manager, Net-Ctrl
Independent schools vary widely in terms of their size, pupil population, location, provision and practice. Documents are offered as guidance only, in order to help schools prepare their own in a way that suits their own circumstances and reflects the needs of their own community, and the ISBA and our partners who have assisted in the production of the documents accept no liability for any claims or losses arising from their use. Before using documents from the ISBA library, and particularly after adapting them, schools should take specific legal advice
The ISBA Bursarcast is a RAFIKI STUDIO production
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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:
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 school's future.
🎧 Tune in now—because this could be your next big estates win.
Find more from Westwood at https://www.westwood-energy.co.uk/
Contact the podcast at podcast@theisba.org.uk
Tune in to the ISBA Bursarcast Podcast for a comprehensive exploration of the latest in independent school finance, legal developments, and their direct relevance to UK-based institutions.
Subscribe now to stay up-to-date with the topics that matter most to you and your school community.
Independent schools vary widely in terms of their size, pupil population, location, provision and practice. Documents are offered as guidance only, in order to help schools prepare their own in a way that suits their own circumstances and reflects the needs of their own community, and the ISBA and our partners who have assisted in the production of the documents accept no liability for any claims or losses arising from their use. Before using documents from the ISBA library, and particularly after adapting them, schools should take specific legal advice
The ISBA Bursarcast is a RAFIKI STUDIO production
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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:
🎧 In our guest segment:
Sarah Pearson, education sector specialist at Ecclesiastical Insurance, joins us to share expert insights on:
🔗 Useful Links
Contact the podcast at podcast@theisba.org.uk
Tune in to the ISBA Bursarcast Podcast for a comprehensive exploration of the latest in independent school finance, legal developments, and their direct relevance to UK-based institutions.
Subscribe now to stay up-to-date with the topics that matter most to you and your school community.
Independent schools vary widely in terms of their size, pupil population, location, provision and practice. Documents are offered as guidance only, in order to help schools prepare their own in a way that suits their own circumstances and reflects the needs of their own community, and the ISBA and our partners who have assisted in the production of the documents accept no liability for any claims or losses arising from their use. Before using documents from the ISBA library, and particularly after adapting them, schools should take specific legal advice
The ISBA Bursarcast is a RAFIKI STUDIO production
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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:
This episode offers clear, practical guidance for leaders looking to make informed decisions and navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the independent school sector.
Contact the podcast at podcast@theisba.org.uk
Tune in to the ISBA Bursarcast Podcast for a comprehensive exploration of the latest in independent school finance, legal developments, and their direct relevance to UK-based institutions.
Subscribe now to stay up-to-date with the topics that matter most to you and your school community.
Independent schools vary widely in terms of their size, pupil population, location, provision and practice. Documents are offered as guidance only, in order to help schools prepare their own in a way that suits their own circumstances and reflects the needs of their own community, and the ISBA and our partners who have assisted in the production of the documents accept no liability for any claims or losses arising from their use. Before using documents from the ISBA library, and particularly after adapting them, schools should take specific legal advice
The ISBA Bursarcast is a RAFIKI STUDIO production
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.