Georgina de Costa

Head of Partnerships, School Business Services

Georgina de Costa is Head of Growth and Partnerships within Professional Services at the Supporting Education Group (SEG), encompassing NEO People, Schools Business Services, and Judicium. She works with established multi-academy trusts to strengthen strategic compliance planning and reporting through the development of school trust specific services. Having begun her career with Judicium nearly 10 years ago, Georgina has progressed internally through a range of roles, developing deep sector expertise and a strong track record in strategic delivery and partnership working. She also serves as Vice Chair of Trustees and Chair of Resources at a voluntary aided primary school, bringing practical governance and financial insight to her work.

1 Workshop series three

Leading financial and estates strategy through trust growth

As funding remains constrained, cost pressures rise, and growth adds complexity, trust finance and estates leaders are navigating strategic choices while continuing to deliver safe, compliant and sustainable environments. This session explores the realities of leading financial and estates strategy through periods of trust growth, balancing ambition with capacity, particularly where central teams are lean. The discussion will focus on practical strategic actions, including long-term financial planning, budgeting for lifecycle and capital costs, and aligning estates investment with pupil demand and curriculum intent. It will also consider the role of centralising estates functions, maintaining robust due diligence, and integrating financial and estates strategy to support sustainable growth and long-term value for money.