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. 4d ago

    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 episodeKCSIE 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 & FollowNew 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.

  2. Aug 28

    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 episodeThe key compliance changes taking effect from 1 SeptemberChanges affecting volunteers and regulated activityKCSIE 2026 and safeguarding arrangementsUpdated statutory attendance guidanceThe 31 August deadline for the ISBA Inspection ToolkitCyber incidents and Charity Commission serious-incident reportingNew allergy-safety guidance for schoolsWhy allergen management begins with procurementSupplier information and allergen dataManaging product and recipe changesThe risks created by unchecked substitutionsCreating a consistent, whole-school approach to food purchasingApproved product lists and a reliable source of product informationBalancing procurement optimisation with safety and nutritional quality GuestHebe 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 & FollowNew 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.

  3. Aug 21

    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 overlookWhy concussion is increasingly a whole-school safeguarding issueReturn to learn versus return to playWhat good policy and governance should look likeHow concussion data can inform practical decisions and reduce riskA 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 & FollowNew 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.

  4. Jul 31

    ISBA BURSARCAST // Can schools afford to not digitise? & Sector updates for August ft Alii and Royal Russell (31st July 2026)

    Independent schools are under growing pressure to strengthen compliance, improve financial control and operate more efficiently. This episode of ISBA Bursarcast covers the latest operational developments for independent schools, including safeguarding updates, AI governance, attendance guidance, inspection changes and VAT considerations. Leo then speaks with Neil Cufley of Royal Russell School and Ben Johnston from Alii about digitisation and automation in school finance. They discuss the sector’s reliance on manual processes, inconsistent purchase-order use, limited visibility and the pressure on small finance teams. Neil also shares Royal Russell’s experience of replacing paper-based systems with Ally to improve control, security and efficiency. The conversation makes clear that digital transformation is not just a software project. It depends on clear goals, strong leadership, good data, effective communication and changes in behaviour across the organisation. The episode also explores invoice fraud risk, process mapping and the need for schools to operate with greater commercial discipline in a more challenging financial environment. GUESTS: Neil Cufley, Royal Russell School Ben Johnston, Alii Request a Demo | Alii 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 & FollowNew 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.

  5. Jul 24

    ISBA BURSARCAST // Rethinking International Teacher Retention ft Laura Mitchelson ( Veritas Wild) (24th July 2026)

    In this special guest episode, we are joined by Laura Mitchelson from Veritas Wild to discuss teacher retention in international schools — and why the retention story often begins long before a teacher reaches the end of their first contract. Together, we explore the transition into a new school, a new country and, often, a new culture. The conversation looks at how early communication, practical preparation and the first few weeks after arrival can shape whether teachers feel confident, connected and likely to stay. For international schools, recruitment is only one part of the staffing challenge. Once an appointment has been made, the quality of the teacher’s early experience can have a lasting impact on morale, belonging and long-term commitment. Laura shares her perspective on the human side of relocation, highlighting why cultural adjustment is different for every individual and why schools should avoid treating induction as a purely administrative process. The episode considers what teachers most need before they arrive, how schools can reduce uncertainty, and why small details in the first few weeks can make a significant difference to how welcome and supported a new colleague feels. Key themes include:• Why retention begins before arrival • The role of clear and reassuring communication • How cultural adjustment varies from person to person • The importance of the first few weeks in-country • How schools can help teachers feel genuinely welcomed, not simply processed • The connection between belonging, confidence and long-term retention • Why transition support is a leadership and culture issue, not just an HR process This conversation is particularly relevant for heads, senior leaders, HR teams, recruitment leads and anyone involved in supporting international staff through relocation and induction. GUEST Laura Mitchelson Veritas Wild EPISODE FOCUS Teacher retention in international schools: communication, cultural adjustment and the first few weeks. LISTENER TAKEAWAYS By the end of the episode, listeners will understand: • Why early transition support matters for long-term retention • How communication before arrival can reduce uncertainty and build trust • Why schools need to recognise individual experiences of cultural adjustment • What makes the first few weeks so important for confidence and belonging • How international schools can take practical steps to improve the teacher transition experience 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 & FollowNew 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.

  6. Jul 17

    ISBA BURSARCAST // Inside the ISC Census: What the Data Means for Schools Ft. Julie Robinson and Dr Aidan Tolland (6th February 2026)

    In this episode of The Bursarcast, we are joined by Julie Robinson, Chief Executive of the Independent Schools Council, and Dr Aidan Tolland, Head of Research and Data at the ISC, to discuss this year’s ISC Census. The conversation looks beyond headline pupil numbers to explore what the data tell us about the independent school sector, including trends in demand, bursaries and fee assistance, boarding, international pupils, affordability, and average fee increases. Julie and Aidan also discuss how ISC uses Census data in its conversations with government and policymakers, and what school leaders should be paying attention to over the next 12 months. For bursars, COOs, heads and senior leaders, the episode offers a practical look at how the Census can support strategic planning, financial modelling, governance discussion and wider sector engagement. Topics include pupil number trends, fee assistance, average fee increases, government engagement, political scrutiny and the key takeaways for senior operational leaders. 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 & FollowNew 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.

  7. Jul 10

    ISBA BURSARCAST //Images, Allergies and End-of-Term Priorities with Sue Roxby (10th July 2026)

    In this week’s ISBA Bursarcast, we round up the key operational and regulatory issues for independent school leaders as the summer break approaches. The news cycle covers updated ISBA guidance on taking, storing and using images of children, including the growing risks around online image use, livestreaming, smart technology and consent. We also look at the Department for Education’s allergy safety guidance, which is not yet statutory for independent schools but signals an important direction of travel. Also in this episode: the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s consultation on draft technical guidance for schools; continuing financial pressure for schools and parents following the introduction of VAT on fees; and recent government updates on school security, estates, digital infrastructure and operational resilience. After the news roundup, we’re joined by Sue Roxby, Head of Advice and Guidance at ISBA, for an end-of-term conversation. Sue brings updates from ISBA, reflects on recent member priorities, and looks ahead to the issues schools may want to keep in view over the summer. Relevant for bursars, heads, COOs, HR leads, compliance teams, estates leaders and governors. TPS note - announcement was 1st July. For fuller guidance and member resources, ISBA members should refer to the Weekly Bulletin and the ISBA Reference Library.Relevant for:Heads, bursars, COOs, directors of finance and operations, HR leaders, compliance leads, estates teams, safeguarding-adjacent leaders and governors. 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 & FollowNew 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.

  8. Jul 3

    ISBA BURSARCAST // Pensions, Phones and Compliance Pressure (3rd July 2026)

    This week’s ISBA Newsbeat looks at the operational issues school leaders need on their radar before the new academic year, including TPS changes, statutory mobile phone guidance, VAT year-end considerations, inspection readiness, building safety and changes to regulated activity for volunteers. In this episode:We cover the confirmed reduction in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme employer contribution rate from April 2027, alongside the practical need for schools to register on the new TPS employer portal. We also look at the Department for Education’s statutory guidance on mobile phones in schools, which schools in England should begin following from September 2026, and what this means for policy, behaviour management, safeguarding and parent communication. For finance teams, the episode highlights why schools should approach their second VAT year-end adjustment carefully, rather than assuming last year’s methodology still fits. There is also a reminder on inspection readiness, including the value of reviewing ISI’s Regulatory Audit Document ahead of a possible inspection next term. On estates and compliance, we consider why building safety remains a governance and leadership issue, particularly for schools planning construction, refurbishment or remedial works. Finally, we flag the forthcoming removal of the supervision exemption for volunteers and the implications for safeguarding checks, safer recruitment and volunteer management. Leadership update:This episode also notes a change of leadership at ISBA, as Catherine Spencer OBE begins her tenure as Chief Executive and David Woodgate retires after ten years leading the Association. Relevant for:Heads, bursars, COOs, directors of finance and operations, HR leaders, compliance leads, estates teams, safeguarding-adjacent leaders and governors. 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 & FollowNew 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.

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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
    239
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 ISBA BURSARCAST
  • Show Website
    ISBA BURSARCAST

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