Education Matters Forum

Education Matters Forum’ is a regular event which focuses on one key issue at each session that faces the sector. Held in collaboration with Kreston Reeves, the Forum enables us to fully explore the topic in detail and provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities posed as well as sharing ideas and information with each other. 

We bring together key decision makers and influencers from the education sector in the South East, to participate in a wide ranging discussion about topical issues and challenges that the sector is facing.

These events are invite only, if you are interested in attending future events please email hello@brachers.co.uk. 

Previous topics

• GDPR, Data Protection and Data Cleansing

  The first of our forums explored the topic of data and the current issues surrounding this subject. 

  Topics discussed included:

  • Data breaches
  • Subject access requests
  • Data retention
  • Cyber security

  Key learning points:

  1. Identify all of the personal data that you hold and where it is held.
  2. Regularly review privacy notices and ensure they are compliant with legislation. Also consider if there should be a separate privacy notice for children?  
  3. Establish a policy for handling data breaches, ensure this is communicated and staff are trained in this.
  4. Provide regular staff training on data protection responsibilities.
  5. Develop and implement a policy on retention and storage of data.

  Download the GDPR, Data Protection and Data Cleansing summary sheet (PDF)

  Trading & VAT

  The second forum focused on the pressure on academy trusts to generate additional income and specifically on trading activities and the VAT and Tax implications associated with them. 

  Topics discussed included:

  • Considerations when looking at trading activities
  • The implications that activities may have on VAT and corporation tax
  • Trading subsidiaries
  • Limitations that can apply to the subsidiary

  Key learning points are included in the following download.

  Download the Education Matters Forum – Trading and VAT

  Managing Disciplinary & Exit Processes

  The third of our forums explored the topic of how to manage disciplinary procedures and best practice exit processes.

  Retention and Recruitment

  A discussion on the frequent legal issues around recruitment, what the education sector is doing to attract staff, relevant approvals that may be required, incentives and tax implications and the LGPS and pension.