Ed Passmore is an audit director with over two decades of experience, specialising in the academy trust and not for profit sectors. He works closely with trustees, boards and senior leadership teams to help organisations meet their regulatory responsibilities while building strong, sustainable financial governance.
Ed advises a broad range of academy trusts, from Single Academy Trusts to complex and growing Multi Academy Trusts, including those undergoing expansion, conversion or structural change.
His work often supports trusts at pivotal moments, helping them prepare for audit, navigate funding and regulatory pressures, and maintain confidence in their financial reporting as they evolve.
His advice is grounded in detailed technical knowledge of the Academy Trust Handbook, the Academies Accounts Direction and Charities SORP (FRS 102). Rather than viewing compliance as a box ticking exercise, Ed focuses on translating these frameworks into clear, practical guidance that helps clients manage risk, strengthen financial controls and achieve smoother audit outcomes.
This has established him as a trusted adviser on academy trust audit, ESFA compliance and academy financial governance, particularly where issues are complex or high risk.
Ed also works extensively with charities and not for profit organisations, supporting them to balance regulatory requirements with operational realities. His understanding of governance from both an adviser and trustee perspective allows him to communicate effectively with boards and finance teams alike, ensuring reporting and assurance processes are robust, proportionate and fit for purpose.
In addition to his professional role, Ed is an experienced charity trustee and currently sits on the board of several charities (including the BKL Foundation). He was also a director of Crosshall Junior School. This hands on governance experience informs his approach and gives him valuable insight into the challenges facing trustees across the not for profit and academy sectors.
Outside of work, Ed is a father of three and a Beaver helper with 8th Oxford Scouts, reflecting his ongoing commitment to supporting children, education and local communities.
If your academy trust or not for profit organisation is facing regulatory change, growth, or increased scrutiny, Ed works with boards and finance teams to provide clear, proportionate audit and governance support. He helps clients navigate ESFA compliance, strengthen financial controls and approach audit with confidence. Get in touch to discuss how Ed can support your organisation’s assurance and governance needs.
