How to Apply to Become an SRMA
Apply to become an SRMA or SBP Mentor with School Business Services.
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.
How to Apply to become an SRMA
The Department for Education (DfE) has set out the criteria for all School Resource Management Advisers (SRMAs) and School Business Professional (SBP) Mentors. If you meet the requirements below, we’d love to hear from you.
To be accredited as an SRMA, you must have:
- At least two years of demonstrated experience in financial management within a school or trust context.
- Comprehensive understanding of the distinctions in funding mechanisms between local authorities and academy trusts.
- Demonstrates advanced proficiency in Integrated Financial Planning (ICFP), leveraging robust benchmarking practices to enhance financial insight, efficiency, and strategic outcomes.
- Extensive expertise in resource management, encompassing procurement, recruitment, governance, and financial forecasting.
- Currently not affiliated with any trust or school operating at a deficit or subject to Department for Education (DfE) intervention (with limited exceptions).
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and report-writing capabilities.
Desirable Skills
- A robust two years of professional experience in accounting or a related financial role.
- Proficient in managing funding allocations for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) as well as overseeing Alternative Provision financing
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Essential Skills for SBP Mentors
To be accredited as an SBP Mentor, you must have:
- Professional Experience: A minimum of two years’ experience as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) within an academy trust, or equivalent experience as a School Business Manager in a maintained setting
- Current Sector Knowledge: Demonstrated evidence of up-to-date knowledge in the educational sector, including recent developments and best practices.
- Role Alignment: Mentors should be appropriately matched to mentees based on their roles (e.g., CFO mentors for CFO mentees) to ensure relevant guidance and support.
- Financial Stability Requirement: Mentors must not be actively working within a trust or school experiencing financial deficits or under Department for Education (DfE) intervention unless specific exceptions apply.
- In-Depth Knowledge of ICFP: A strong understanding of In-Year Financial Planning (ICFP) and the application of benchmarking techniques.
- Resource Management Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of resource management strategies and best value procurement, along with proficiency in recruitment, governance, and financial forecasting practices
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills with strong emotional intelligence
How We Support You
Our goal is to help every SRMA feel supported, confident, and connected to a professional community. We’ll guide you through the accreditation process with one-to-one support and advice at every stage of your SRMA journey.
Ready to apply to be an SRMA with SBS?
- For more information or an informal chat, contact us.
- To apply, complete the application form below
- Take the first step today — your expertise can make a lasting difference in schools.