Academy Trust Handbook 2025: Key Changes and What They Mean for Trusts
The Department for Education (DfE) has published the 2025 Academy Trust Handbook, effective from 1 September 2025, introducing a series of important updates. These revisions focus on strengthening governance, enhancing financial oversight, improving strategic risk management, and supporting the DfE’s long-term aims around digital transformation and sustainability.
Fire Door and Fire Compartmentation Surveys - What Are They and Why Do You Need Them?
During the past year, Handsam Ltd have supported a number of clients through HSE site visits to examine their management of asbestos. Through delivering this support we have learned a great deal of insight into how to be successful in avoiding an HSE fine, which can be levied if the inspector uncovers any failures in management or gaps in documentation. This article will help you if you receive notification that you are to be visited, but also should be used as a guide to where your asbestos management and records should be at anyway.
How To Have A Successful HSE Asbestos Inspection
REMINDERS
In the hustle and bustle of other responsibilities, you may have overlooked some articles from Compliance Matters Issue 53. Below are some of the things making the news in the world of compliance in Autumn 2025.
By law, all schools and academies must be fitted with compliant fire doors. A fire door survey delivers a detailed inspection of a building's fire doors to ensure they meet safety regulations are in good working order. These surveys are crucial for identifying any defects that could hinder the door's ability to contain fire and smoke, potentially saving lives and minimizing damage during a fire. A full fire door survey often follows a fire risk assessment that suggests further investigation.
Steps to Take When Responding to a Subject Access Request (SAR)
A Subject Access Request (SAR)—also known as a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR)—is a request from an individual to access their personal data. Under the UK GDPR, individuals have the right to know what personal data is held about them and how it is used.
SARs can be made in any format (verbally, in writing, email, etc.), and you cannot require that the request be made in writing. However, it's helpful to ask the requester to clarify what specific data they are seekin
Emojis: More Than Just Playful Icons
What may appear to be harmless or light-hearted emojis can often carry deeper or layered meanings. For many young people, emojis form part of a visual language used to express everything from mood and humour to more serious or potentially risky behaviours.
As part of a school or academy’s Health and Safety policies and procedures, this document outlines the response plan for Critical Incidents.
Schools and academy’s must recognise that, as part of its emergency procedures, a clear plan is necessary to address and manage threats to students and staff that may occur within the building or on the grounds.
Invacuation Procedure: What It Is and When to Use It
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