ISBA BURSARCAST

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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.

  1. 16 HR AGO

    ISBA BURSARCAST // Uniform Under Pressure: Value, VAT & Kit Choices (ft. School Blazer) + the weeks' headlines. (6th March 2026)

    This week’s ISBA Bursarcast looks at how independent schools are rethinking uniform and sportswear — with Tim James from School Blazer — as budgets tighten and parents become more value-conscious. Tim describes a challenging year, driven by VAT changes and a sharper focus on pricing. His headline: parents will still pay for quality, but they increasingly resent paying for items that are rarely worn. In response, schools are moving towards multi-use garments — such as reversible rugby tops and puffer jackets — and taking a harder look at how lists are specified and communicated. We also explore how uniform design is evolving, including a trend toward aligning boys’ and girls’ uniforms in appearance and cost (while still designing appropriately for each), and the growing influence of high-street fashion, including quarter-zip styles. Sportswear — around half of School Blazers’ business — is positioned as a key lever for participation and wellbeing, especially amid concerns about sedentary, body-conscious pupils. Tim highlights kit developments, including new leggings, a new sports bra, and more choices in girls’ kit. Operationally, Tim shares what “good” looks like from a supplier perspective: tight KPIs on stock, delivery and returns, plus a practical bursar reminder — review termination clauses early, not when you’re already under pressure. We also touch on international growth and what to expect at the ISBA Conference (11–13 May, ICC Wales). Alongside the feature, we deliver a short newsbeat from Weekly Bulletin 8 (05 Mar 2026), including: ISBA’s new Chief Executive (from 01 May 2026), new guidance on safe and responsible streaming, VAT risks around bursary grant arrangements, the 31 Mar 2026 action deadline to begin business rates appeals for potential backdated savings, advice to refund (not transfer) unused Fees in Advance, a reminder on prohibition from teaching checks, and cautious budgeting guidance on TPS. What You’ll LearnHow to pressure-test uniform lists for value without undermining qualityWhy multi-use items are rising — and how they can reduce friction with parentsWhat’s changing in boys’/girls’ uniform alignment and sports kit choiceSupplier KPIs bursars should ask for: stock, delivery performance, returnsContract basics: why termination clauses need an early reviewThis week’s key operational actions from ISBA’s bulletin Resources MentionedISBA Weekly Bulletin 8 (05 Mar 2026)ISBA Reference Library: Safe, Responsible Streaming guidance; VAT bursary grants note; TPS briefing; trackers (member-only)ISBA Annual Conference: 11–13 May 2026, ICC WalesGOV.UK: Check a teacher’s record (prohibition from teaching)DfE consultation: supporting pupils with medical conditions at school 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.

    24 min

  2. 27 FEB

    ISBA BURSARCAST // School Transport Reset: Catchments, Costs & Compliance (Ft. Vectare) (27th February 2026)

    This week’s ISBA Bursarcast looks at the changing shape of school transport in the independent sector — with Dominic Kalantary from Vectare — ahead of the ISBA Conference (11–13 May at ICC Wales), where Vectare is one of the headline sponsors. We explore key market trends, including widening catchments, express and park-and-ride style routes designed to compete with car travel, and a notable shift from externally operated services to in-house fleets for cost, control and branding benefits — including an example of a school moving quickly to internal vehicles. Alongside the feature, we also deliver a short newsbeat covering the week’s key operational headlines, including SEND reform consultation, VAT guidance consolidation, regional meetings, mobile phone policy expectations, inspection readiness for RAAC/cladding, and the KCSIE consultation. This episode is designed for time-poor professionals who want clarity, context and practical next steps — especially those responsible for budgeting, compliance, estates operations and stakeholder communications. What You’ll LearnWhy transport spend is back under the microscope — and what the “tale of two halves” means for planning and procurementThe trend towards wider catchments and express / park-and-ride routes — and how this changes cost and service designThe pros and trade-offs of moving from outsourced provision to an in-house fleet — including control, consistency and brand visibilityWhy mid-day trips can quietly inflate costs — and how routinely quoting each trip can drive savingsWhat “active compliance management” looks like for fleets — and why updates such as DVSA roadworthiness guidance matterHow transport tech is evolving: responsible AI for insight, operational integrations (including OpenApply) and WhatsApp notificationsA quick scan of this week’s headlines: SEND reform (England), VAT guidance, regional meetings, mobile phones, parent contracts, RAAC/cladding inspection readiness, and KCSIE consultationResources MentionedISBA Weekly Bulletin 7 (26 Feb 2026) — key operational headlinesISBA Reference Library — consolidated VAT guidance (Bursar’s Guide to VAT + appendices), Parent Contract FAQs, asbestos/estates resources, previous bulletins and webinar recordings (member-only)DfE consultation: SEND reform proposals (England) (as referenced in the bulletin)DfE guidance: Mobile phones in schools (non-statutory)KCSIE consultation: Keeping Children Safe in Education — 2026 proposed revisions (England) (as referenced in the bulletin)DVSA roadworthiness guidance updates (as referenced in discussion)ISBA Conference: 11–13 May 2026, ICC WalesVectare Website Subscribe & FollowISBA 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.

    28 min

  3. 20 FEB

    ISBA BURSARCAST // How to avoid mistakes with school nurses ft Jane Graham + the sector headlines. (20th February 2026)

    This week’s ISBA Bursarcast is led by a practical deep-dive on what a high-quality, safe and effective nursing service looks like in independent schools — with Jane Graham, an experienced paediatric nurse and independent school medical lead. Jane explains why registered nurses are not simply “highly qualified first aiders”, and what robust school nursing governance looks like day-to-day: medicines management, confidentiality, safeguarding, record-keeping, clinical space, and the line management and clinical supervision needed to keep pupils safe — especially where nurses are lone-working. Alongside the feature, we also deliver a short newsbeat covering the week’s key operational headlines, including KCSIE consultation, measles/infectious disease resources, mobile phone policy and inspection readiness, and Charities SORP changes. This episode is designed for time-poor professionals who want clarity, context and practical next steps — especially those responsible for risk, compliance and pupil wellbeing provision. What You’ll LearnWhy a registered nurse’s role in school goes well beyond first aid — and what NMC registration means in practiceThe non-negotiables for safe medicines management: administration, storage, documentation, training and oversightHow to scope your nursing provision around your school’s needs — boarding/day, SEN, mental health, allergies, sport, controlled medsWhat “good governance” looks like on the ground: confidential records, appropriate clinical space, safeguarding integration, and clinical supervisionCommon pitfalls schools make — including mis-scoping the role, under-resourcing, and placing newly qualified nurses into unsupported lone-working postsA quick scan of this week’s headlines: KCSIE 2026 consultation, measles readiness, mobile phones and inspection focus from 01 Apr 2026, and Charities SORP 2026 basics Resources MentionedISBA Weekly Bulletin (19 Feb 2026) — key operational headlinesISBA Reference Library — infectious disease resourcesKCSIE 2026 draft consultation (England)DfE guidance: Mobile phones in schoolsUKHSA measles guidance and reporting routesCharities SORP 2026 overview and implementation considerationsSAPHNA Independent School Nursing Governance Guidance (endorsed by the RCN) (as signposted in the episode) Subscribe & FollowISBA 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.

    31 min

  4. 13 FEB

    ISBA BURSARCAST // Employment Reform, Payroll Changes & Inspection Prep: This Week in ISBA (23rd January 2026)

    This week’s ISBA Bursarcast brings you a focused newsbeat on employment law timelines, payroll changes, smartphone policy research, inspection readiness and key sector deadlines—centred on what bursars and senior leaders need to know now. We cover the delay to ‘fire and rehire’ reform under the Employment Rights Act 2025, the postponement of mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind, new research into the operational cost of smartphone policies, and the launch of ISBA’s new Bursar’s Guide to ISI Inspections. This episode is designed for time-poor professionals who want clarity, context and practical next steps—without wading through technical notes and legislative updates. What You’ll LearnWhat the delayed implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025 means for contract variations and restructuring timelinesHow the postponement of mandatory payrolling for benefits in kind from HM Revenue & Customs affects payroll planningWhat new research from the University of Birmingham suggests about the time and cost of restrictive vs permissive smartphone policiesHow to use ISBA’s new Bursar’s Guide to ISI Inspections as a practical compliance toolWhat the forthcoming statutory allergy guidance means for senior leadership accountabilityWhy now is the moment to review nursery sustainability in light of funded-hours pressuresKey February deadlines and professional development opportunitiesResources MentionedEmployment Rights Act 2025 — revised implementation timelineHMRC technical note on mandatory payrolling of benefits in kindUniversity of Birmingham study on smartphone policy economics (BMJ Mental Health)ISBA Reference Library: The Bursar’s Guide to ISI Inspections (Full details and links are available via the ISBA Weekly Bulletin and member resources.) Subscribe & FollowISBA 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.

    7 min

  5. 6 FEB

    ISBA BURSARCAST // Phones, Allergies, Scams & Budgets: This Week in ISBA (6th February 2026)

    This week’s ISBA Bursarcast brings you a rapid newsbeat on the latest operational and regulatory developments affecting independent schools—focused on what bursars and senior leaders need to know now. We cover tightened expectations on mobile phone policies, forthcoming statutory allergy guidance, continued cyber-fraud risks, budget planning pressures for catering, and key ISBA deadlines and events, including the Annual Conference. This episode is designed for time-poor professionals who want clarity, context and practical next steps—without wading through long documents. What You’ll LearnWhat the updated Department for Education guidance on mobile phones means in practice from April 2026How Ofsted will factor phone policies into behaviour judgementsWhat’s coming in new statutory allergy guidance—and how schools should prepare nowThe scale of fee-payment scams highlighted by IRIS Education researchWhy catering budgets for 2026–27 need to plan for sustained inflation, based on Independent Schools Catering Consultancy benchmarksWhy participation in ISBA’s Data Navigator benchmarking with Barnett Waddingham mattersKey February and spring-term dates bursars shouldn’t miss Resources mentionedDfE: Mobile phones in schools — updated guidanceISBA allergy policy template and webinar (4 March)IRIS Education: Protect your school – a practical approach to cybersecurityISCC catering budget benchmarks for 2026–27ISBA Data Navigator (data entry deadline: 12 February 2026)ISBA Annual Conference 2026 — bookings open with early-bird ratesRegional Group meetings and Newly Appointed Bursars programme(Full links 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.

    6 min

  6. 30 JAN

    ISBA BURSARCAST // Cost-Saving Strategies in School Catering: Real-World Lessons from Royal Russell | Part 2 ft. allmanhall (30th January 2026)

    In this second part of our deep-dive with Jo Hall and Hayden Hibbert from allmanhall, we unpack how a detailed partnership with Royal Russell School led to measurable cost savings and operational improvements in their in-house catering. This episode goes beyond theory—focusing on what bursars, finance leads, and catering managers can actually do to manage budgets, improve quality, and build long-term value through catering provision. Plus, we round off the episode with this week’s ISBA news and insights. What You’ll LearnHow to benchmark supplier pricing effectivelyThe impact of inventory management tech like Saffron ControlPractical examples of sustainability in school cateringThe strategic role of menu design and community feedbackWhat key questions bursars should ask about catering performance and contracts Resources mentioned: Foodsight magazine: https://issuu.com/allmanhall/docs/foodsight_-_independent_education_january_2026Hero Recipes: https://issuu.com/allmanhall/stacks/1739dd65f7af4aab8ec6e802ae9b3484Independent Education brochure: https://issuu.com/allmanhall/docs/digital_independent_education_4pp_2025-26Royal Russell case study: https://youtu.be/ou8Cb6L6u5s?si=PxHPE8w6SDq4GDEhallmanhall website: https://allmanhall.co.uk/ Subscribe & FollowNew episodes every Friday at 4pm. Follow 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.

    24 min

  7. 23 JAN

    ISBA BURSARCAST // Food Costs, Inflation Forecasts & Smarter Procurement – Part 1 ft. allmanhall (23rd January 2026)

    “It’s less likely that this year will be a return to normal and more a year for managing persistent and underlying inflation using insights and an understanding of the food and commodity markets to plan both budgets and menus.” In part one of this two-part conversation, Jo Hall and Hayden Hibbert from allmanhall join us to explore food procurement trends and inflation pressures facing independent schools in 2026. We cover: Inflation outlook for food through to 2027Core drivers of costStrategies for better menu planning and budgetingThe role of plant-based and seasonal ingredientsHow catering quality links to student experience and retentionPlus: Your monthly regulatory newsbeat—from the Employment Rights Act to restrictive interventions reporting, and key dates for spring term events. Resources mentioned: Foodsight magazine: https://issuu.com/allmanhall/docs/foodsight_-_independent_education_january_2026Hero Recipes: https://issuu.com/allmanhall/stacks/1739dd65f7af4aab8ec6e802ae9b3484Independent Education brochure: https://issuu.com/allmanhall/docs/digital_independent_education_4pp_2025-26Royal Russell case study: https://youtu.be/ou8Cb6L6u5s?si=PxHPE8w6SDq4GDEhallmanhall website: https://allmanhall.co.uk/ Part 2 continues next week with more on supply chain dynamics, benchmarking catering performance, and practical tips for procurement. 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.

    23 min

  8. 16 JAN

    ISBA BURSARCAST // Reducing Food Waste with Pupil Voice: Insights from Woodhouse Grove & DigiTally (16th January 2026)

    What happens when pupils are given a voice in the dining hall — and their feedback drives real change? In this episode, we speak with Patrick McDermott from DigiTally, Michelle Howard, Sustainability and Energy Officer at Woodhouse Grove School, and Kevin Grant, the school’s Head Chef. Together, they explore how Woodhouse Grove took part in DigiTally’s Food Waste Challenge, using real-time pupil feedback to track what was left uneaten, identify what worked (and what didn’t), and make targeted changes to reduce waste and improve satisfaction. This short, practical conversation covers: How feedback tools helped the school understand and cut food wasteThe role of student voice in shaping more effective menusOperational changes made by the catering team based on the dataFinancial and sustainability benefits already being realisedThe wider educational impact on pupils’ awareness of food and waste Whether or not your school uses digital tracking, this episode offers a clear case study in how data and dialogue can help align catering, sustainability, and budget priorities — without adding complexity. Resources MentionedDigitally Website ISBA Reference Library (Members only) 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.

    25 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    ISBA
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    217
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 ISBA BURSARCAST
  • Show Website
    ISBA BURSARCAST

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