Bursar’s Review Spring 2021

3 @the_isba Spring 2021 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 COMPANY NO:6410037 REGISTERED CHARITY:1121757 CHAIRMAN: Eleanor Sharman CHIEF EXECUTIVE: David Woodgate BSc (Hons) MBA FRSA EDITOR : Gillian Goode BA (Hons) E: bursarsreview@theisba.org.uk PUBLISHER Simon Moody PRODUCTION EDITOR: Nicky Rogers T: 01778 391128 E: nickyr@warnersgroup.co.uk EDITORIAL DESIGN: Dean Cole ADVERTISING DESIGN: Natalie Reynolds ADVERTISING MANAGER: Jayne Notley T: 01778 391189 E: jaynen@warnersgroup.co.uk ADVERTISING PRODUCTION: Ellis O'Connell 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 As 2020 drew to a close many of us looked ahead and saw a glimmer of light far down the tunnel. Vaccines to protect the vulnerable from the ravages of COVID-19 were coming and a last-gasp trade deal with the EU was signed. After a year like no other, and after months of constant change and uncertainty, were we about to turn a corner? As 2021 began, England joined the other nations of the UK in plunging back into national lockdown and schools effectively closed again. The reality of life outside the EU has dawned, with supply chain disruption plus increasing costs and paperwork. This constant turmoil has brought new pressures and challenges for all of us but, perhaps, also shines a light on the unique selling point of independent education: independence itself. Our schools have the freedom of thought and action, and the ability to identify and move ahead of the proverbial curve to not only adapt and survive in the face of change but to seek advantage, thrive, and build for the future. In this issue of the Bursar’s Review we explore the importance of strategy – whether this be environmental, financial, commercial or operational – in articles on ensuring sustainable schools, ethical business, effective governance, and staffing considerations in a pandemic world. A common thread throughout is the importance of a clear strategic vision, planning, and anticipating change – all factors that independence provides the freedom to pursue. Harnessing the sector’s strength can help each school to maximise market opportunities and ensure longevity. Of course, what keeps schools operating so well day in, day out and on the ground is their staff. With the pandemic continuing to challenge us all, your focus will naturally be on your staff’s mental health and wellbeing. In this issue we feature an article by Dr Charlie Easmon on burnout (page 38) as well as some practical tips by Rachel Parkin and Hannah Wilding of Harrison Clark Rickerbys on how schools can keep morale up during these difficult times (page 40). Don’t forget to keep an eye on our ongoing spring term webinar programme which covers all these issues and much more, offering all the latest (and evolving) guidance from a range of expert speakers. We will be running a four-day series of webinars from 25 May to 28 May 2021 titled ‘Looking Through and Beyond COVID: Thoughts and Emerging Tools for the Future’ featuring Dame Margaret Hodge, Sir Anthony Seldon and Tim Harford amongst others. For full details of our programme please see page 90. David Woodgate Chief executive, ISBA