A new year brings with it a fresh slate, new ideas and renewed effort to make the most of the months ahead. But it's also important for schools to be aware of the key compliance challenges they may face in 2024. You already know that schools and the education sector as a whole must adhere to all relevant legislation and policies. With the education landscape continually evolving, and these policies changing with it, keeping on top of compliance can be difficult. Let’s explore the top 5 compliance challenges for schools and consider how to tackle them.
Focus on Artificial Intelligence – The growing use of AI in the education sector presents a major challenge. While AI tools can help schools work more efficiently, there are risks in relying too heavily on automated systems. AI may provide incorrect or unreliable information which could lead to compliance issues if submitted. Schools need robust oversight of AI systems to ensure accuracy. Implementing rigorous testing and validation of AI tools is essential before integrating them into compliance processes.
Ever-changing Landscape in Education – Another key challenge is as we discussed briefly earlier. Education constantly changes. New processes, generally designed to make life easier, can be confusing, for example, exam formats are shifting towards digital assessments rather than pen and paper, and digital data is susceptible to hacking and potential loss, so changes must be made to secure it. Adapting to these changes while remaining compliant with budgets, cyber security and data submission protocols is difficult. Schools must regularly review compliance procedures to account for new developments in education technology. When changes occur, compliance plans may need to be updated across multiple departments.
Cyber security – this is an increasing concern with the growth of education technology. With high-profile school data breaches making headlines, schools need robust cybersecurity strategies covering areas like password protection, data encryption, access controls and network security. Raising internal awareness through training is essential, so all staff treat security seriously. If a teacher is assessing digital information from a home server, their passwords and cybersecurity must be as strong there as the ones schools use to prevent breaches. Ongoing auditing and monitoring of systems is also key to identifying risks early. Robust cyber security is fundamental for compliance, especially with growing digitalisation.
Climate Change and ESG – Environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives around climate change bring new demands. Developing comprehensive ESG programmes to reduce environmental impacts, while supporting employees, suppliers and communities requires focus. Carbon emissions, recycling, succession planning, risk management, and schools’ relationships with community leaders; they all fall under the ESG umbrella. With ESG requirements in the education sector rapidly evolving, having flexible compliance plans is crucial. Appointing dedicated staff to coordinate and regularly review ESG compliance is advisable.
Legislative and policy changes – these can be frequent and pose challenges. Schools often have compliance schedules detailing when tasks need completion. But changes to laws, DfE policies and local authority rules can disrupt these plans. Regularly reviewing compliance schedules and adapting swiftly is vital. Active engagement with updates and membership of governance bodies maximises responsiveness, and keeping track of them using a digital compliance tool is best practice.
In summary, AI reliance, educational changes, cyber security, ESG standards and shifting regulations all present major compliance challenges for schools in 2024. Reviewing procedures frequently, communicating priorities and having adaptable compliance plans will be key to overcoming these obstacles. Robust governance and utilising compliance tools can also help schools stay compliant amidst change. By being aware of these challenges, compliance in schools can be tackled proactively this year.
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