School Resource Management Adviser (SRMA) Accreditation Process
See the timelines of SRMA and SBP Accreditation Processes and information on how to maintain them
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.
School Resource Management Advisers (SRMA) Accreditation Process
A structured, supportive pathway that equips experienced professionals with the skills, insight, and confidence to deliver high-quality SRMA support on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE).
Complete Application
Submit your application to begin your journey toward accreditation.
Application Assessment
Your application will be reviewed to ensure you meet the entry requirements.
Induction
The process begins with an orientation meeting, where candidates learn about the School Resource Management Adviser (SRMA) role and its expectations as set by the Department for Education (DfE). This session clarifies the responsibilities and impact of SRMAs on school resource management.
Preparation for Accreditation
Candidates have a personal consultation with an accredited SRMA to ask questions and receive tailored feedback on their skills and understanding of SRMA standards. This guidance helps them identify areas for improvement.
Training
Candidates participate in structured workshops covering essential topics such as ICFP Essentials and Application. These sessions build the knowledge and skills needed for effective resource management.
Practice Case Study
Candidates complete a desk review of an accreditation case study, applying SRMA standards to identify challenges and propose resource management strategies.
Accreditation Panel Interview
Candidates will undergo a formal case study exercise and panel interview to assess their knowledge and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.
Accreditation
Successful candidates are awarded accreditation as SRMAs and receive a certificate in recognition of their accomplishment.
Ongoing Improvement
Accredited SRMAs receive continuous support and updates on best practices and emerging trends in resource management, ensuring they maintain high standards and stay informed post-accreditation.
School Business Professional (SBP) Mentor Accreditation Process
A clear and practical accreditation journey that prepares school business professionals to become effective SBP mentors, with guided training and focused assessment at every stage.
Complete Application
Application Assessment
Book training and accreditation
Register for one-to-one dates through suppliers.
Receive training invite and self-assessment form for completion
Attend online training session
Candidates will be expected to participate in activities and discussions.
Write a short personal statement
Reflect on why you want to become an SBP Mentor.
Statement submission
To be submitted to EPI within 24 hours of completing training.
Accreditation discussion
Attend a half-hour accreditation discussion with the assessor.
Receive outcome and feedback
Once you obtain accreditation, here's what you can expect:
- Post-accreditation: You will start to receive access to deployment assignments from the Department for Education (DfE). SRMAs can express interest in any deployment before allocation takes place.
- SRMA Deployments: These are intensive assignments lasting between 5 and 11 days, with customised options available.
- SBP Mentoring Deployments: This format consists of 12 hours of support spread across several weeks.
Maintaining Your Accreditation
To maintain accreditation, all SRMAs and SBP Mentors are required to fulfil a minimum of one deployment annually.
Accreditation marks the initial stage of our journey. As a mentor in the SRMA or SBP framework, you will receive competitive remuneration, extensive support, and the autonomy to implement significant changes in educational institutions across the UK.
