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:
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.
New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.
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