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In this edition of ISBA Bursarcast, we highlight the key regulatory, financial and operational developments affecting UK independent schools, drawn from ISBA Bulletin No. 31 – 8 October 2026. This week's briefing focuses on new safeguarding obligations, inspection expectations, employment compliance and important deadlines for bursars, heads and school leadership teams. In this episode: Safeguarding information sharing: A new statutory duty came into force on 30 September, with implications for school policies, procedures and data protection.Parental complaints and ISI inspections: Updated inspection guidance brings greater attention to how schools recognise and manage data protection complaints.Teachers' Pensions: An urgent employer portal registration deadline and a planned service interruption affecting pension administration.Capital Goods Scheme: Why schools may want to revisit historic capital expenditure for potential VAT recovery.Right to Work compliance: An updated Home Office code of practice and its relevance to school recruitment procedures.Financial updates: PAYE Settlement Agreement deadlines and temporary VAT relief on qualifying electricity supplies.Further information This episode provides a selective overview of the issues most relevant to school operational leaders. It is not a substitute for detailed regulatory, legal or financial guidance. For the full updates, supporting resources and practical guidance, members should consult ISBA Bulletin No. 31 (8 October 2026) and the ISBA Reference Library. ISBA Bursarcast — concise, relevant operational intelligence for the people leading and managing independent schools. Member note:This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through ISBA and the relevant linked materials. Subscribe & FollowNew episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: [email protected] – 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.

Physical security is no longer simply an estates issue. For schools, it increasingly sits at the intersection of IT, safeguarding, cyber security, operational resilience and governance. In this episode of the ISBA Bursarcast, Leo is joined again by Tom Piggott from Verkada / Net-Ctrl to explore how physical security is changing — and what that means for independent schools. They discuss the growing “IT-ification” of physical security, as CCTV, access control, alarms and environmental monitoring become increasingly connected to a school’s wider digital infrastructure. The conversation looks at why estates and IT teams need to work more closely together, and the cyber-security questions schools should be asking as more physical systems become networked. The episode also examines where AI is genuinely beginning to make a practical difference, from natural-language searches and automated alerts to identifying patterns within footage — while considering the equally important questions around permissions, privacy and data governance. Beyond security itself, Tom explains how connected systems can also provide useful operational insight, including environmental monitoring, space utilisation and understanding movement around the school estate. In this episode: What the “IT-ification” of physical security means for schoolsWhy estates and IT teams increasingly need to work togetherThe cyber-security questions schools should ask about connected security systemsHow to think about warranty, support and total cost of ownershipWhere AI is already having a practical impact on physical securityThe privacy and governance considerations that come with smarter systemsHow security infrastructure can support wider operational decision-makingWhat schools should consider when reviewing ageing or fragmented systemsA practical discussion for bursars, COOs, estates teams, IT leaders and senior staff considering whether their school’s physical security infrastructure is keeping pace with the way technology — and the risks surrounding it — are changing. GUEST: Tom Piggott, Verkada https://www.verkada.com/uk/ Find more from Net-Ctrl here:https://www.net-ctrl.com/ Member note:This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through ISBA and the relevant linked materials. Subscribe & FollowNew episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: [email protected] – 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 of the ISBA Bursarcast Information sharing and safeguarding New statutory guidance on information sharing comes into force on 30 September 2026, supporting a new duty under the Children Act 2004. Schools will need to consider the implications for safeguarding practice, information-sharing procedures and data protection. Pupil volunteering and DBS checks Further clarification from the DfE explains how the peer exemption applies when older pupils volunteer with younger children. The position differs depending on whether volunteering takes place within the same school or at another school, with potential implications for partnership and outreach activity. Teachers’ Pension Scheme Schools participating in TPS should ensure their audited End of Year Certificate is submitted by 30 September 2026. Primary contacts should also register for the new TCS Employer Portal by 9 October 2026, ahead of the transfer of scheme administration on 1 November. ISBA has also responded to questions around the recent change in the TPS contribution rate, with further member guidance available through its webinar and FAQ resources. Charity accounting The Charity Commission has updated its accounting guidance to reflect SORP 2026 and new thresholds applying to financial years ending on or after 30 September 2026. Schools should make sure finance teams, auditors and governors are working from the revised guidance. Inspection readiness and the SCR With new staff in post and recent changes affecting volunteers and EYFS staff, ISBA is encouraging schools to check that their Single Central Record and wider vetting processes are accurate and up to date. Wider regulatory updates The Department for Education has updated its guidance on material change applications for independent schools, while new resources have also been published to support implementation of Martyn’s Law. Companies House has also announced the first prosecutions linked to failures around director identity verification, making this an important governance check for schools and governing bodies. Full guidance and member resources are available through the ISBA Weekly Bulletin and Reference Library. This week also includes further updates and resources across strategic planning, UKVI compliance, estates and health and safety, regional meetings and sector events. ISBA Weekly Bulletins: https://www.isbabulletin.org.uk/Newsletter/List/weekly-bulletin Advice and Guidance: [email protected] 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: [email protected] – 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.

The ISBA Bursarcast is back with another weekly update for the autumn term. There’s no guest this week. Instead, we focus on the key operational developments from the latest ISBA Weekly Bulletin. In this episodeTeachers’ Pension Scheme ISBA has updated its guidance on the forthcoming reduction in the TPS employer contribution rate from April 2027, including new FAQs around hybrid arrangements, alternative defined-contribution schemes and previous decisions to leave the scheme. Cyber preparedness Cyber security is firmly on the leadership agenda this week. ISBA’s latest long read focuses on the role of governors, bursars and senior leaders in building resilience, while a separate alert highlights a critical vulnerability affecting some schools using managed IT providers. Inspection readiness ISI has updated its Inspection Framework, Handbook, self-evaluation material and complaints procedure for September 2026. ISBA has also refreshed its own inspection guidance to reflect the latest changes. Material changes The Department for Education has updated its guidance on making material changes to an independent school’s registered details, including further detail around timings, capacity, age-range changes and school closures. Pupil images Following the recent ISBA, AMCIS and IAPS webinar, we look at why the use of pupil images is increasingly a safeguarding, communications and governance issue, rather than simply a marketing decision. Key deadlines The ISC interim pupil-number survey closes on 18 September 2026, while primary contacts for Teachers’ Pensions should register for the new employer portal by 9 October 2026. Full guidance and member resources are available through the ISBA Weekly Bulletin and Reference Library. This week also sees further webinars and events across pensions, finance, immigration, National Minimum Wage compliance, estates and health and safety. ISBA Weekly Bulletins: https://www.isbabulletin.org.uk/Newsletter/List/weekly-bulletin Advice and Guidance: [email protected] 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: [email protected] – 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.

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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] – 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.

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: [email protected] – 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.

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: [email protected] – 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 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: [email protected] – 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 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: [email protected] – 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 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: [email protected] – 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 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: [email protected] – 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.

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: [email protected] – 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.

This week’s Bursarcast takes a fuller look at the operational issues independent school leaders need on their radar as term draws to a close. We cover the ISC Census 2026, including the fall in pupil numbers and why the data matters for admissions, financial planning, staffing assumptions and how schools evidence public benefit. We also look at hot weather and heatwave management, including risk assessments, vulnerable pupils and staff, reasonable adjustments, timetable changes, uniform expectations and wider duty-of-care considerations. Inspection readiness is another key theme, with a focus on action points and remedial works. Schools need to show that recommendations from audits, assessments and inspections have been prioritised, completed and properly evidenced. The episode also covers the CMA review of the early years childcare market in England, and why schools with nurseries or early years provision should be alert to record-keeping, pricing information and readiness to respond to scrutiny. Fee transparency features through ISBA’s updated briefing on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, with implications for how schools present fees and mandatory charges in parent-facing materials. We also flag the Fair Work Agency and the need for schools to keep employment practices, payroll arrangements and compliance records under review. Digital risk is covered through updates to the DfE digital and technology standards, including cyber security expectations, account controls, backups and incident reporting. Finally, we look at Norway’s cautious approach to AI in schools and what it signals for independent schools developing age-appropriate AI policies. A focused update for bursars, heads, governors, COOs, HR leads, estates teams, compliance leads, admissions teams and senior leaders managing risk, scrutiny and planning pressures Resources Mentioned ISC Census 2026 — available via ISC ISC political toolkit — available in the ISC Member Zone DfE hot weather and heatwaves guidance — available via GOV.UK / The Education Hub UKHSA hot weather guidance for schools and early years settings — available via GOV.UK HSE workplace temperature guidance — available via HSE Royal Life Saving Society drowning prevention resources — available via RLSS UK ISBA inspection tip on action points and remedial works — available in the ISBA bulletin CMA review of the early years childcare market — referenced in the ISBA bulletin ISBA briefing note on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 — available in the ISBA Reference Library VWV article on the Fair Work Agency — referenced in the ISBA bulletin DfE digital and technology standards for schools and colleges — available via GOV.UK Norwegian Government recommendations on AI in schools — available via the Norwegian Government website Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Email: [email protected] – 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.

This episode covers updates to ISBA’s template Allergy Policy, changes to the Model Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, and the forthcoming change to regulated activity rules for volunteers from September 2026. We also consider why the government’s consultation on zero and low hours contracts matters for schools using flexible staffing arrangements, from invigilators and coaches to peripatetic teachers and supply staff. There are also quick reminders on reserves planning, inspection report publication, ISBA Recruitment’s call for qualified interim bursars, and upcoming ISBA CPD opportunities, including the Estates and Health and Safety Conference, HR Conference, Finance Conference, Annual Conference, webinars and the next NABs cohort. A practical, friendly briefing for bursars, heads, HR leads, compliance teams and senior operational leaders preparing for the year ahead. Subscribe & Follow:New episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Get in touch at: [email protected] Email: [email protected] – 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.

This week’s Bursarcast focuses on the technology, compliance, safeguarding, staffing and financial developments most likely to affect independent school operations. ISBA Technology Survey 2026 and measuring return on digital investmentDfE call for evidence on children’s screen useFuture scrutiny of EdTech, generative AI, filtering and monitoringInspection readiness and recurring compliance themesDecommissioning of the ISBA Inspection Toolkit on 31 August 2026Safeguarding policy updates linked to draft KCSIE 2026Government consultation on zero and low hours contractsSupreme Court appeals relating to VAT on school feesEnergy renewal risk and market volatilityGuest segment with Helen Woods on the latest ISBA Annual ConferenceKey conference learnings for operational planning, governance and sector priorities Resources Mentioned:ISBA Technology Survey 2026 ReportDfE call for evidence on children’s screen useISBA Bursar’s Guide to ISI InspectionsISBA Inspection Toolkit/App noticeISBA Template Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy updatesDraft KCSIE 2026 consultation materialGovernment consultation on zero and low-hours contractsSupreme Court VAT legal challenge updatesMindful Energy renewal price forecastISBA Annual Conference reflections with Helen Woods Subscribe & Follow: New episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. Get in touch at: [email protected] Email: [email protected] – 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.