What is an SRMA?
School Resource Management Advisors are experienced practitioners who provide peer-to-peer, tailored advice to schools and trusts. They work alongside leadership teams to offer bespoke support — whether responding to challenges as they arise or proactively strengthening already effective practices.
School Business Services was selected by the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver and manage the SRMA programme because of our deep expertise in education finance, proven track record supporting schools and trusts at scale, and our ability to combine operational delivery with strategic financial insight.
SRMAs Help Schools to:
- Identify efficiencies in resource deployment
- Strengthen financial governance and oversight
- Build resilience through long-term planning
- Support school improvement with financially sustainable strategies
Why Become an SRMA?
- Make a difference: Your insights directly improve outcomes for pupils.
- Gain national recognition: Join a Department for Education (DfE) accredited network of trusted advisers.
- Grow your career: Enhance your professional profile with unique training, CPD, and peer networking.
- Be supported every step: From application to accreditation, you’ll have mentorship, QA, and ongoing development.
“It is a privilege to be part of SBS' SRMA Programme - having the opportunity to work with schools and trusts; and to see first-hand the incredible work that staff in our schools undertake to improve the life chances of our children.”
Sancha Maggs, SRMA with SBS
Why Work with SBS?
Our approach is modern, streamlined and designed to remove unnecessary administrative burden from SRMAs. We use intelligent, automated systems to manage deployments efficiently, ensuring that SRMAs can focus on delivering high‑quality strategic insight rather than wrestling with logistics. Working with SBS means partnering with a provider known for reliability, clarity and forward‑thinking practice.
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Your Benefits
- Gain access to a national network of peers
- Receive ongoing CPD and mentorship from experienced SRMAs
- Opportunities to contribute to sector-wide best practice
- Flexible deployment options designed to fit around your main role
This isn’t just professional growth — it’s purpose-driven work that leaves a legacy.
What is a School Business Professional (SBP) Mentor?
A School Business Professional (SBP) Mentor provides practical, supportive guidance to developing or aspiring SBPs. While SRMAs offer structured, strategic reviews commissioned by the DfE, SBP Mentors work more informally and relationally, helping individuals strengthen their skills, confidence and day‑to‑day practice. The roles are complementary: SRMAs focus on system‑level assurance and financial sustainability, whereas SBP Mentors focus on professional growth, capability building and operational problem‑solving.
Effective SBP Mentors combine technical knowledge with strong interpersonal skills. They can translate complex financial or operational concepts into accessible language, offer constructive and empathetic feedback, and support mentees to develop their own solutions. Experience across school business functions — finance, HR, estates, procurement or governance — is valuable, but the ability to coach, encourage and inspire is essential.
Mentoring & Support for SBP Mentors
Alongside SRMA deployments, you can also act as a School Business Professional (SBP) Mentor — or combine both roles.
- Flexible: Deployments can be completed part-time alongside your current role.
- Open: Available to those employed by schools, trusts, local authorities, or working independently.
- Rewarding: SRMA Deployments are fully funded by the Department for Education.
Ready to Make an Impact?
This is more than just a role — it’s a chance to transform education.
Apply today and take the first step toward becoming a trusted SRMA. From your first click, our team will guide you through every stage — ensuring you feel supported, confident, and ready to make a lasting impact.
