ISBA BURSARCAST // Inspection readiness, employment reform, and staffing risks—three critical areas that independent schools need to stay on top of. ( 28th November 2025)
This episode gives bursars, HR leads, and senior staff a concise, practical update on what’s changing—and how to respond.
ISBA BURSARCAST · ISBA
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Show Notes
In this episode, we unpack the latest inspection data from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), break down changes to the HR1 Form from 1 December 2025, and flag urgent implications of the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill.
With compliance rates falling and new legal restrictions coming into force from 2026, schools need to act now to maintain flexibility and meet statutory requirements.
This episode gives bursars, HR leads, and senior staff a concise, practical update on what’s changing—and how to respond.
What You’ll Learn
- Why ISI compliance rates have dropped—and the two areas most schools are struggling with
- Practical steps to improve inspection readiness, based on real inspection findings
- What’s changing with the HR1 Form from 1 December 2025—and how to prepare
- How the Employment Rights Bill will restrict “fire and rehire” and casual staffing arrangements
- Why spring 2026 is a critical window for contractual changes before new rules apply
Key Action Points
- Review leadership oversight of safeguarding and attendance compliance
- Update safer recruitment checks and maintain a robust Single Central Record (SCR)
- Familiarise HR teams with the new HR1 Form process and prepare the required data in advance
- Plan staffing reviews now—consult early to retain flexibility ahead of October 2026
- Use the ISBA Advice & Guidance team to sense-check inspection readiness and staffing plans
Links & Resources
- ISBA Reference Library – Inspections and Compliance (Login Required)
- Gov.uk – HR1: Advance Notification of Redundancies
- DfE – Working Together to Improve School Attendance (2024)
- HCR Law – Employment Law for Schools
Independent schools face tightening regulations and reduced employment flexibility. This episode outlines what’s coming—and what to do next.
For full guidance, log in to the ISBA Reference Library or contact the Advice and Guidance team at [email protected].
Email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.
The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO
www.rafikistudio.com
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