RBMA is an award winning consultancy providing specialist support to organisations in the field of resource and business management.
Rebecca Beaver
Lead Consultant
Rebecca, our lead consultant, specialises in business strategy and resource management. Her 35 year career in business operations spans public and commercial sector organisations including Toyota UK, where she developed her knowledge of continuous improvement and operational efficiency. Rebecca applies these principles to help organisations enhance their output through increased efficiency.
Rebecca’s experience in the education sector spans over half her career and includes leadership roles across primary and secondary settings. Accredited by the Department for Education (DfE) as a School Resource Management Adviser (SRMA), Rebecca now works independently and on behalf of the DfE as an SRMA, supporting schools and academies to review their resource management. She is a Fellow of the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) and regional team lead (West Midlands) for the SRMA programme.
Rebecca is a facilitator and assessor for the Diploma in School Business Management on behalf of Best Practice Network and a member of ISBL OpEx project team. Rebecca’s work in the education sector includes leading on operational excellence. She has written the DfE funded strategic planning and operational leadership local support offer training and supports delivery of these sessions on behalf of ISBL.
A proud recipient of ISBL’s CEO Award for Exceptional Contribution to School Business Leadership Rebecca’s passion to support leaders in education to maximise their resources is driven by the belief that every child, irrespective of background, has the right to achieve their best. She supports the education sector as a volunteer in the role of governor of an outstanding primary school in the West Midlands and as a volunteer with the charity Eagles Nest, recently supporting them through organisation of a charity auction which raised over £5,000. To find out more about the charity click here.
Sally Gill
Associate Consultant
Sally is an associate education consultant, specialising in ‘Financial Resources, Budgeting and Compliance’. Her experience spans 20+ years in the education sector as a school leader, primarily within secondary phase education with significant expertise in budget planning, forecasting, monitoring and systems of internal control.
Sally’s first-hand experience and knowledge of conversion and growth in the academies and multi academy trust sector, including due diligence is complemented by considerable experience collaborating with maintained schools through Local Authority Internal Audit.
A DfE accredited SRMA Sally has significant experience and proficiency with matters regarding internal audit, risk and compliance underpinned by Level 7 Certificate in School Business Leadership (pending final assessment), Level 4 Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the National College for Teaching & Leadership Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM).
A compassionate and understanding leader, Sally is passionate about ensuring schools operate effectively to allocate and maximise resources to improve outcomes for young people. She is a champion of school business, finance and support colleagues and supports the sector as a volunteer in the role of governor and chair of finance of a local primary school.
Carole Thain
Associate Consultant
Carole is an associate business consultant specialising in operational strategy and compliance within the healthcare and care home sectors. With over 20 years of experience, she has a proven track record in overseeing large care home portfolios, optimising financial and operational performance, and leading high-stakes projects. Her most recent role has been to serve as Chief Operating Officer at Blackadder Group, where she managed compliance whilst driving strategic growth initiatives.
Carole’s expertise lies in enhancing business performance through acquisitions, development projects, and implementing governance frameworks, utilising advanced data analytics, and leading high-quality delivery.
Carole has held significant roles at Crown Care as National Commissioning Manager, leading new build care home projects, and at Bupa Healthcare, where she managed care home portfolios across the West Midlands. Earlier in her career, she gained valuable sales and project management expertise with Allied-Breweries and Hilton Plc, successfully launching million-pound projects, and at Barchester Healthcare, where she oversaw multimillion-pound operations and commissioned new care home sites.
Her qualifications include an MSC in Leadership & Management, Level 7 in Strategic Management & Leadership, Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management in Health and Social Care, and Prince2 Project Management certification. Carole is passionate about operational excellence and business transformation.
Sharon Thorp
Associate Consultant
Sharon is an associate consultant specialising in a broad range of services including Data Protection / GDPR, HR, Finance, Internal Assurance, Resource Management, Operations, Project Management and Health and Safety.
Sharon’s expertise is provided through a range of services to business professionals, leadership teams and boards. With an in-depth understanding of the responsibilities and pressures that business leaders face, she offers bespoke advice and guidance through identifying good practice and turning the challenges into actionable steps. Sharon provides a head and heart led service with over 30 years of public sector business expertise, combined with a judgement-free, realistic and supportive approach.
Sharon is passionate about supporting aspiring professionals to build a long-lasting career in business management. Being a mentor is important to Sharon and with a wealth of experience and genuine understanding of what it takes to do the job well, she is perfectly placed to guide and signpost you, so you develop into the best possible business professional.
Helen Burge
Associate Consultant
Helen has more than 25 years experience working in operations and strategic management. A Fellow and Trustee of the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL), she holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Helen is also a passionate advocate for sustainability and co-founded the UK Schools Sustainability Network (UKSSN) Operations Group, where she leads initiatives focused on driving impactful, long-term change across the sector.
Helen’s approach is focused on empowering leaders with the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to navigate the complexities around the sustainability journey. Helen has worked in operations and strategic management within private, maintained and multi academy trusts, across all phases from 2-18 years.
Helen can be contacted directly via her website www.buoyantimpact.co.uk
Helen has created Buoyant Impact in order to dedicate her time to creating positive change in organisations through comprehensive consultancy, training and coaching services. With a focus on sustainability and resource efficiency, she hopes to create an eco-conscious mindset in the education sector. Please contact her as you start, revitalise or finesse your organisation’s sustainability journey.