In this episode of ISBA Bursarcast, we begin with the latest operational updates for independent school leaders, including new holiday record-keeping duties under the Employment Rights Act 2025, future employment reforms expected in 2027, HMRC payroll changes, inspection readiness reminders and recent updates from the DfE and Charity Commission. We then turn to the wider risk environment facing independent schools. Ian Morgan and Laura Armstrong from Assured Partners ( Gallagher) discuss how schools are managing a more complex landscape shaped by inflation, fee sensitivity, wage growth, demographic change, technology, cyber threats, digital safeguarding and increased political and regulatory scrutiny. They explore the impact of VAT-linked pupil departures, financial strain across the sector, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, international boarding pressures, estates risk, underinsurance, business continuity planning and more forensic inspection expectations. The conversation also looks at the rising importance of leadership resilience — including preparedness, clear escalation routes, transparent communication, strong governance and reducing over-reliance on individuals. In this episode: Employment Rights Act 2025: holiday record-keeping duties from 6 April 2026Planning ahead for 2027 employment law changesHMRC updates, including SSP, parental leave and P11D reportingInspection readiness: written agreements for over-16s living on siteDfE updates on medical conditions, allergies, antisemitism and SEND reformCharity Commission updates on online safety and conflicts of interestThe changing risk profile for independent schoolsVAT, fee sensitivity and pupil movementCyber risk, AI, digital safeguarding and insurance readinessEstates risk, commercial use of facilities and underinsuranceBusiness continuity, governance and leadership resilience GuestsLaura Armstrong is a specialist in working with global school groups, independent schools, universities and multi-academy trusts. She has 17 years of experience in the insurance and risk management industry, with strong relationships across the education insurance market. She leads on insurer negotiations, advises on bespoke insurance programmes and structures, and highlights emerging risks for the education sector. Ian Morgan is Risk Services Director at Assured Partners. Chartered since 2012, Ian has worked across the education sector for more than 15 years and as a consultant for eight years, mainly with independent schools and charities. He is a fire risk assessor and leads a team of consultants across the UK. More from them here Useful links and remindersISBA members can find further details on the weekly bulletin items, including employment guidance, inspection resources and professional development opportunities, through the ISBA website and reference library. The ISBA Annual Conference 2026 takes place from 11 to 13 May at ICC Wales. 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.
