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 // 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

  2. JAN 30

    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

  3. JAN 23

    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

  4. JAN 16

    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

  5. JAN 9

    ISBA BURSARCAST // New Year Outlook and How to Start and Scale Charitable Giving in Your School ft Clarity(5th December 2025)

    In this episode, we are joined by two guests: Sue Roxby, ISBA Head of Advice & Guidance, to provide an overview of the sector and how the ISBA will support its members. Then, Angus Jones, CEO of Clarity, shares practical steps any independent school can take to start or strengthen a charitable giving programme. From setting up Gift Aid correctly to introducing legacy giving, we cover the must-haves, common pitfalls, and strategies that boost both income and impact. Topics CoveredWhy fundraising matters for financial resilience—even in smaller schoolsGift Aid explained: what’s required, how to claim, and how to communicate itGovernance essentials for bursars: policies, records, and ethical guardrailsHow to talk to parents about tax-efficient giving, without pressureLegacy giving and share donations: realistic strategies for schoolsWhat to do first, and what to avoid Resources MentionedISBA Reference Library: Fundraising and Development sectionHMRC Guidance on Gift AidCharity Commission Fundraising Guidance“Remember A Charity” legacy campaign – rememberacharity.org.ukFor more from Angus and Clarity www.clarityglobal.com/independent-schools-investment-management 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

  6. 12/19/2025

    ISBA BURSARCAST // From Payroll Scams to Strategic Insight: This Week’s Briefing (19th December 2025)

    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: 🛡 Fraud Alert – Payroll scam attempt flagged by a member school🧾 Companies House – New identity verification rules for directors📊 Data Navigator Relaunch – Benchmarking made better (and free for early birds)💷 Correcting VAT Errors – Don’t panic; here’s how to fix them🏫 ISI Inspections – Trends in non-compliance and how to prepare📅 Key Dates – Webinars in January and Finance Conference 2026🎄 Festive Sign-Off – A thank you from ISBA and a look ahead to 2026Useful Links: Verify your identity with Companies House – GOV.UKCorrecting VAT errors – GOV.UKFinance Conference 2026 – Book your place Key Deadlines: 🐦 Early Bird: Submit Data Navigator responses by 16 January 2026📊 Final deadline for Data Navigator: 12 February 2026 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.

    8 min

  7. 12/12/2025

    ISBA BURSARCAST // Records, Reporting & Readiness – Your End-of-Term Checklist (12th December 2025)

    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. What You’ll LearnWhy schools should now retain unsuccessful applicant records for 12 monthsHow the FSM Contextual Data Service ensures disadvantaged pupils are recognised by UCASWhat the Data Navigator offers bursars — and why early submission unlocks premium featuresThe current energy price forecast — and how to time April/October 2026 renewalsWhy reception fees are subject to VAT but EY funding is exemptWhat ISI inspectors are asking about guardianship and homestay arrangements Key Action Points Update recruitment retention policies in line with the ACAS extensionEvaluate if any pupils qualify for FSM contextual UCAS support and register with BAA earlyBlock time for your team to upload data to the ISBA Data Navigator before 16 JanuaryShare the Technology Survey with relevant school staff before the Christmas breakRun a price discovery exercise if your school renews energy contracts in 2026Review your VAT invoicing practices for local authority EY fundingPrepare to evidence host family and guardianship vetting during inspections Links & ResourcesISBA Reference Library – Recruitment & Data Retention (Login Required)FSM Contextual Data Service – Bursary Assessment AssociatesISBA Data Navigator Tool – Barnett WaddinghamMindful Energy – Energy Market UpdateISBA Reference Library – VAT & EY Funding (Login Required)HSE – Managing Drug and Alcohol MisuseCharity Commission – Hostile Environment Guidance 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.

    7 min

  8. 12/05/2025

    ISBA BURSARCAST // What does the Independent School Sector value? ft Julie Robinson (5th December 2025)

    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. Key Points3.6% pupil drop in 2024–25VAT impact on fees and demandBudget 2025: rising NLW, NI relief capUnfair dismissal: 6-month protection from 2026SEND reform on the horizonSector positivity via Partnerships Week Links mentionedISBA WebsiteISC WebsitePartnerships Booklet 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.

    32 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
    213
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 ISBA BURSARCAST
  • Show Website
    ISBA BURSARCAST

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