Victoria FitzGerald, a passionate advocate for inclusive education, is an ASDAN trustee. With a wealth of experience in finance, education and charity sectors, she is committed to enhancing opportunities for young people to succeed, no matter their background or learning needs. We recently sat down with Victoria to discuss what she brings to ASDAN and her hopes for the future of the organisation.
Can you provide an overview of your professional background and career?
“I’m a qualified accountant with an MBA, and my career has been split between the commercial and education sectors. I began in the NHS, but most of my early career was in high-tech electronic manufacturing and aerospace. I was the chief financial officer of a design-to-manufacture company that supplied Airbus UK. However, in 2006, I transitioned to the education charity sector, starting as finance director at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. From there, I began working in consultancy, focusing on multi-academy trusts, school governance, and strategic financial planning. I’ve also held several interim finance roles in the education sector, working with both independent and state schools.”
How did you become aware of ASDAN and what drew you to the organisation?
“I first heard of ASDAN through my involvement with the Olympus Academy Trust, where a fellow trustee was previously ASDAN's Chair. This connection piqued my interest, and I later worked with ASDAN on a consultancy basis, assisting with financial strategy. Following this, I was invited to become a trustee in 2021. The opportunity to use my experience in education and charity governance to support ASDAN’s mission really appealed to me. I’ve always been passionate about ensuring that young people, no matter their background, can achieve a sense of accomplishment in education.
What do you bring to your role as an ASDAN trustee?
“I bring technical finance and strategic expertise, but what’s most important is applying these skills in a charitable context. ASDAN’s purpose is the advancement of education, especially for those with additional needs, and that remains central to everything I do. I’ve worked with charities and education trusts for many years, so I understand how to operate within the framework of charitable objectives. I believe that, beyond just numbers, it’s about ensuring that financial decisions contribute directly to the mission of supporting young people and their learning journeys.”
From your perspective, what positive impact does ASDAN have on people’s lives?
“ASDAN provides a platform for young people to feel a sense of achievement, regardless of their educational needs or background. I’m a firm believer that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed, and ASDAN’s wide range of qualifications and programmes allow learners to experience success in meaningful ways. It’s about giving learners the tools to develop skills that are important not just in education but in life, too. This sense of achievement is critical for their self-esteem and future opportunities."
You’ve recently visited some ASDAN centres. Can you share your experience?
“I’ve had the pleasure of visiting two centres so far – Uplands School in Swindon and ValePlus, who are based in Glamorgan.”
“At Uplands, a special school, I saw firsthand how ASDAN’s LifeSkills Challenge adapts to the needs of students with complex and profound learning difficulties. It was inspiring to see how the programme engages students through various activities, from arts to life skills. The teachers at Uplands were incredibly proud of the progress their students had made, and that was truly moving.”
“Visiting ValePlus was also a wonderful experience. It’s a centre that supports young adults, some well into their 60s, and the pride and excitement during their award ceremony was palpable. For many of these learners, receiving an ASDAN certificate is the first formal recognition of their achievements, which is incredibly impactful for their confidence and self-esteem. Witnessing this celebration of their hard work was one of the highlights of my time as a trustee so far.”
What excites you about ASDAN’s future?
“There are so many exciting developments on the horizon for ASDAN. With our new CEO bringing fresh energy and vision, we’re looking to stay ahead of changes in the qualification landscape. I’m excited about exploring new ways to innovate, particularly in digital delivery, making our programmes more adaptable and accessible. Additionally, I’m keen to see how we can expand our reach, especially in areas like care leavers and adult learners. At the core, though, it’s about staying true to ASDAN’s mission – ensuring that every learner, regardless of their challenges, has the opportunity to succeed.”
What are you most looking forward to in your role as trustee?
“I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with such a dedicated and skilled group of trustees and staff. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that is so passionate about the work we do. While the role of a trustee can come with challenges, the personal and professional growth it brings is invaluable. Visiting the centres and seeing the direct impact of ASDAN’s work has been a highlight, and I’m excited to visit more centres and witness even more success stories in the future. It’s about making a difference, and ASDAN’s values and objectives align perfectly with my own.”
Find out more about ASDAN's trustees.