In the education sector, compliance is not just about doing the right things—it’s about proving that you’re doing them. Schools and multi-academy trusts are expected to meet a wide range of regulatory requirements, but without clear, structured evidence, even the best practices can go unrecognised. This is where evidence becomes critical. The ability to demonstrate compliance with confidence is what separates a reactive approach from a truly effective, well-managed organisati

In today’s increasingly complex education landscape, compliance is no longer a back-office responsibility—it is a strategic priority. From safeguarding and health & safety to data protection and governance, schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs) must demonstrate robust systems and accountability at every level. At the heart of this responsibility sit governors and trustees, whose role in ensuring compliance is both critical and far-reaching. Why Compliance Matters at Board L

The Department for Education (DfE) has again refused to publish the full findings of a critical audit into its handling of pupil data, arguing that disclosure could “distract” from its plans to gather even more information on children through a proposed national pupil register. An audit carried out by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in 2020 found the DfE had breached several provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which governs how personal da

The Cyber Security Breaches Survey is a key research study supporting the UK’s cyber resilience and the goals of the National Cyber Strategy. Its findings help shape government policy on cyber security, with the aim of making the UK’s digital environment a safer place to do business. The survey examines how businesses, charities, and educational institutions manage cyber security — including their policies, processes, and overall approach. It also analyses the types of cyber

A new report from the cross-party Education Committee reveals that many school buildings in England remain in a fragile state. While significant progress has been made in removing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) - the unsafe material that caused widespread closures in 2023—the broader school estate continues to deteriorate. The government has committed to ensuring all schools are either free of RAAC or undergoing a rebuild by 2029. The Government’s 10-Year Strat

A new survey by the charity Ambitious About Autism reveals that one in six (16.2%) autistic students in the UK have not attended school at all since the beginning of the current academic year. The data highlights a growing crisis as the government prepares to overhaul the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. Key Findings from the Survey The poll of nearly 1,000 young people and families identified the primary reasons for these absences: Mental Health: 62

Maintaining rigorous food safety standards in school refrigerators is essential for protecting the health and well-being of the entire school community. Schools often serve as high-traffic environments where shared storage can lead to the accidental cross-contamination of expired or spoiled items with student provisions. Regularly checking for and discarding out-of-date food—such as the mouldy margarine mentioned in the recent incident—mitigates the risk of foodborne illnesse

The updated DfE RSHE (Relationships and sex education and health education) Statutory Guidance will come into effect from 1st September 2026 and significantly increases the expectations on schools to educate pupils of all ages in various aspects of safety, including personal safety, health, hygiene, well-being, healthy eating, water safety and first aid, amongst others. See the full guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationship

The National Fire Sprinkler Network (NFSN) have published a report on the impact of school fires, reviewing statistics across the period 2010 to 2024. The report points out that every week in England, classrooms are lost to fire. When this happens, education stops - children are displaced, families are disrupted – and communities lose vital infrastructure. The consequences are educational, emotional and financial, and they can last for years. Headline Statistics There are an

The Outdoor Education Advisers Panel (OEAP) – now also known as AAOLEV (The Association of Advisers for Outdoor Learning and Educational Visits) – note that it is a statutory requirement for employers to monitor the implementation of their health and safety arrangements. In terms of the management of trips and visits, this usually requires an EVC to undertake a programme of 'dip monitoring' to spot check the efficacy of trips. This might include checking that the educational

By Spring 2027, the landscape of HR compliance for large educational institutions in the UK is set to shift significantly. While reporting gender pay gap data has been a requirement for years, the transition from voluntary to mandatory Action Plans will force schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs) to move beyond data collection and toward active, transparent reform. The Scope of the Requirement Under the new legislation, all educational employers with 250 or more employees—w

As multi-academy trusts (MATs) continue to grow, so too does the complexity of managing compliance, safeguarding, and operational risk across multiple schools. Ensuring consistency, maintaining oversight, and meeting evolving regulatory requirements can place significant pressure on central teams and school leaders alike. That’s where Handsam Ltd provides essential support. The Challenge for MATs MATs must balance central governance with local autonomy, ensuring that all scho

Managing school policies is essential for compliance, safeguarding, and effective governance—but for schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs), it can be time-consuming and complex. Handsam supports schools with expert policy templates, alongside review and writing services that ensure documentation is accurate, up to date, and aligned with the latest DfE, HSE, and Ofsted requirements. Practical Support for Schools and MATs Handsam’s policy templates offer a clear, compliant st

EdTech, short for educational technology, refers to the use of digital tools, platforms, and software to support teaching, learning, and the wider management of education settings. EdTech includes everything from learning platforms and online training to safeguarding systems, assessment tools, and compliance software. In today’s education landscape, it plays a vital role in helping schools work more effectively and support better outcomes for pupils and staff. What Does EdTec

Allergy management in schools has become an increasingly important safeguarding priority. With the introduction of Benedict’s Law, schools are now expected to strengthen their approach to allergy awareness, ensuring staff are better trained to recognise risks, respond to incidents, and put robust preventative measures in place. Named in memory of Benedict, the law highlights the very real dangers allergies pose in education settings and reinforces the need for consistent, eff

Why Schools Choose Handsam Ltd Running a Trust means constantly balancing the complex business and compliance demands with its core purpose: educating pupils. Trusts are under ongoing pressure to navigate frequent sector changes, meet evolving regulatory requirements, and remain fully compliant, all while ensuring that focus and resources stay where they matter most — delivering the best possible education for every pupil. For many Trusts, compliance has become fragmented acr