Bursar’s Review

3 @the_isba Spring 2023 2022 brought a number of the issues facing schools into sharp focus – not least the increasingly urgent need for climate action following a summer of heatwaves, and an autumn and winter of floods. The ongoing energy crisis and rising cost of living have also followed us into 2023 and a continuing multitude of challenges for schools has intensified with looming political threats in the form of VAT on fees and loss of charitable reliefs, if there is a change of government at the next general election. With many schools still feeling the financial after-effects of Covid and now seeing the squeeze on operating costs with high inflation, and parents impacted by lower wages and the increasing cost of living, bursars and their SMTs can be forgiven for wondering which issue to tackle first. At ISBA we spend a great deal of time analysing both the short and longer-term risks for schools, breaking down the issues into logical, manageable pieces, and producing practical, step-by-step professional and legal advice for members. As you’ll know we disseminate this guidance in a variety of ways – through briefing notes and template policies in our online reference library, at our regional group meetings, via our professional development programme’s webinars and in-person training events, and at our flagship annual conference – booking is now open for our 2023 conference in Manchester in May (please see page 14 for full details). Of course, we also share expert advice in the Bursar’s Review and this issue is one of which we are particularly proud – not only are we covering the latest for schools on the topics I’ve mentioned above but you will also find, included with this issue, a dedicated supplement on finance and risk for 2023 and beyond, as well as a 116-page sustainability guide covering all you need to know to get started (or progress) your carbon zero journey. No matter how you access ISBA’s services and regardless of the issue you’re tackling in your school at the moment, you can count on us to help. Simply email our advice team at office@theisba.org.uk or call us on 01256 330369 . Editorial Welcome to the Spring issue …from ISBA’s chief executive, David Woodgate. Bluett House,Unit 11-12,Manor Farm,Cliddesden, Basingstoke,Hampshire,RG25 2JB T: 01256 330369 E: office@theisba.org.uk W: www.theisba.org.uk @the_isba www.linkedin.com/company/independent-schools' - bursars-association/ COMPANY NO:6410037 REGISTERED CHARITY:1121757 CHAIR: Neil Cufley CHIEF EXECUTIVE: David Woodgate BSc (Hons) MBA FRSA EDITOR : Gillian Goode E: bursarsreview@theisba.org.uk PUBLISHER: Simon Moody PRODUCTION EDITOR: Nicky Rogers T: 01778 391128 E: nickyr@warnersgroup.co.uk EDITORIAL DESIGN: Ryan Housden ADVERTISING DESIGN: Natalie Reynolds ADVERTISING MANAGER: Jayne Notley T: 01778 391189 E: jaynen@warnersgroup.co.uk ADVERTISING PRODUCTION: Natalie Reynolds E: productionc@warnersgroup.co.uk PRINTING: Warners Midlands Plc This publication is printed by Warners 01778 395111 PUBLISHING Warners Group Publications,The Maltings, West Street,Bourne,Lincs,PE10 9PH T: 01778 391000 The Bursar’s Review has been carefully prepared, but articles are published without responsibility on the part of the publishers or authors for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any view, information or advice included therein.Articles published in the Bursar’s Review do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association, nor can the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association, the publishers or authors accept any responsibility for any claims made by advertisers. David Woodgate Chief executive