Bursar’s Review Impact Report 2022

6 Impact Report Message from the chair, Eleanor Sharman ISBA’s last impact report, published in 2020, explored the ways in which the Association was supporting member schools at what was, at that time, just the start of the pandemic. Little did we know then the extent to which COVID-19 would continue to dominate school management and operations throughout the following two years and beyond. The Association has recently successfully completed its first annual conference since 2019, at the ICC in Wales. It was wonderful to see so many members at the event last November – fellow bursars and friends – and talk in person after so long. What struck me most was the appreciation they all expressed for the support of the Association during these challenging times. Whether it has been through ISBA’s many dedicated COVID-19 bulletins (published daily at the height of the pandemic with a grand total of 146 being sent out over the last two years), webinars, regional group meetings online or personal replies from the advice and guidance service, as this impact report demonstrates, there is no doubt that schools have benefited hugely from the Association, getting help when they needed it the most. ISBA itself rose to the challenge of moving all its training services online, including its regional group activities, within a matter of days at the beginning of the pandemic. These services have continued for members, with growing numbers of webinars delivered on all the key issues for schools, and we have seen a significant increase in output from our advice and guidance service (we answered a total of 7,248 queries from member schools in the two years from 1 January 2020 to 1 January 2022). Whilst the pandemic has shone the spotlight on ISBA’s ability to deliver increasingly relevant, prompt and cost-e†ective services to its members, beyond these direct and tangible benefits of membership the Association fosters something equally as important – a sense of community and belonging. The impact of ISBA, in real terms, is felt when you, as a bursar or senior manager in your school, can connect with someone who genuinely understands your needs, can share their experience and knowledge, and ensure that you are in the best possible position to deliver for your school and your pupils. As this impact report shows ISBA does all this and more. Eleanor Sharman Chair of ISBA and bursar of Rendcomb College