ISBA

5 @the_isba Annual Conference 2021 CHAIR’S WELCOME After nearly two years of uncertainty wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic we are delighted to be holding our 2021 ISBA annual conference at the ICC in Wales this month. The period leading to this point has not been easy for anyone, least of all for the staff in our member schools who have faced unending changes in regulation, guidance and circumstances. They say a problem shared is a problem halved and at ISBA we have done our utmost throughout this time to bring our community of bursars and senior management staff together in online regional group meetings and webinars. The reality though is that nothing quite compares to being able to meet with your peers in person, ask questions directly of the expert speaker in front of you, walk through an exhibition hall to source suppliers and enjoy good conversation over a well-deserved glass of wine! To that end we have extended the conference this year to start at lunchtime on Monday 22 November through to Wednesday 24 November 2021, with a series of update sessions that have been put together to be more helpful, timely and relevant than ever before. Our keynote speakers will include Vanessa Ward, chief inspector and chief executive, ISI, the Rt Hon Baroness Nicky Morgan, Member of House of Lords, David Smellie, partner at Farrer & Co, Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE, the Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Shadow Lord Chancellor and Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, Professor Joe Nellis of Cranfield School of Management, Dr Jonnie Penn, FRSA, author, technologist, activist and public speaker, and Sir Anthony Seldon, former vice-chancellor, University of Buckingham. Our Wednesday evening after-dinner speaker will be Tracy Edwards MBE, the round the world sailor and social activist. The International Convention Centre (ICC) Wales is the UK’s newest and most exciting events venue and is a joint venture partnership between the Celtic Manor Resort and the Welsh Government, offering state of the art facilities to delegates and exhibitors alike. ICC Wales is committed to sustainability and highlighting the benefits of nature for delegate wellbeing, being surrounded by woodland and stunning outdoor spaces. Delegates can rest assured that we are working closely with the venue to provide a safe environment in which we can deliver an outstanding conference, ensuring we will be in full compliance with COVID regulations, for the benefit of all who attend the event. We look forward to welcoming you all to the conference. David Woodgate Chief executive, ISBA Eleanor Sharman Chair, ISBA, and bursar, Rendcomb College