ISBA BURSARCAST

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 missResources 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 STUDIOwww.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“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 STUDIOwww.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 avoidResources 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 Claritywww.clarityglobal.com/independent-schools-investment-managementEmail: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIOwww.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 arrangementsKey Action PointsUpdate 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 inspectionsLinks & 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 GuidanceIndependent 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 STUDIOwww.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.