Melanie Jarrett

From Numbers to Purpose: Using Financial Expertise to Make a Difference

When I look back on my time at Reigate Grammar School, I remember it with enormous fondness. Having come from an all-girls' school, joining the Sixth Form at RGS was both exciting and liberating. There was a real sense of independence, encouragement and opportunity. We were trusted to think for ourselves, challenged to aim high and, perhaps most importantly, taught not to be afraid of failing.

Those two years helped shape my confidence in ways I probably didn't appreciate at the time. Being one of relatively few girls at what was then a predominantly boys' school had its perks – including our own common room – but it also encouraged me to believe I could thrive in environments that were often male-dominated. Looking back, that confidence proved invaluable throughout my career.

One person who had a lasting influence on me was my Business Studies teacher, Mr Manfield. Business Studies was a new subject for me and I immediately found it fascinating. It felt relevant, practical and connected to the real world in a way that many traditional subjects didn't. Mr Manfield's enthusiasm made the subject come alive, and he had a wonderful way of encouraging his students to stretch themselves. I still remember him persuading me to stand up and speak to a hall full of parents about my experience at RGS. It certainly wasn't something I would have volunteered for, but I'm grateful he pushed me outside my comfort zone.

The careers guidance at RGS also opened doors that changed the course of my future. With the school's support, I secured sponsorship from Shell to study Management Sciences at Loughborough University. It was an incredible opportunity, allowing me to combine academic study with practical work placements that gave me a real understanding of business.

During those placements I discovered what would become my profession. I found myself drawn to accountancy because it wasn't simply about numbers; it was about understanding organisations, helping people make informed decisions and planning for the future. After graduating, I returned to Shell, qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant and began a career that would span both the commercial and education sectors.

One of the things I've always loved about finance is its versatility. Every organisation has different challenges, but good financial information helps people make better decisions wherever they work. The roles I enjoyed most were those that involved working alongside colleagues from different departments to build future plans, solve problems and help organisations achieve their goals.

Like many careers, mine wasn't planned in detail. My move into education happened almost by accident when I accepted a part-time bursar role that fitted around raising a young family. That one opportunity led to further finance roles in schools, sixth form colleges and the London School of Architecture. Along the way, I developed a growing appreciation for the importance of education and the opportunities it creates for young people to flourish.

The greatest change in my life, however, came not through my career but through my family.

Six years ago, my younger son was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour. Although surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have thankfully left him in remission, living with the knowledge that the disease is expected to return changes your outlook forever. Nothing prepares you for hearing that your child has an incurable illness. The emotions are overwhelming, but over time you learn to focus on what truly matters. You appreciate every day, celebrate every milestone and make the very best of the time you have together. My son shows remarkable resilience, and he inspires all of us to live life fully.

When I reached the end of my final fixed-term contract and retired from full-time employment, I knew I wanted to use my professional experience in a way that felt meaningful. Becoming Finance Trustee for Brain Tumour Research gave me that opportunity.

It is both a privilege and an emotional responsibility. Brain Tumour Research is the only UK charity dedicated solely to funding research into brain tumours. Despite being the biggest cancer killer of adults under 40, treatments have changed very little in more than twenty years. Research offers genuine hope, but it requires sustained investment, collaboration and long-term commitment. As Finance Trustee, I hope I can play a small part in ensuring the charity uses every pound wisely to support research that could transform lives in the future.

If my journey has taught me anything, it is that the skills we develop throughout our careers can continue to make a difference long after our working lives change direction. We all have something to contribute, whether that's knowledge, experience, encouragement or simply giving our time.

My years at RGS gave me confidence, opportunity and lifelong memories. If I could leave one message for fellow Reigatians, it would simply be this: never underestimate the impact your own experience can have on someone else's life. Sometimes the most meaningful contribution we can make is to use what we've learned to help others.

If you or someone close to you has been affected by a brain tumour and would like to connect with Mel, she would be happy to hear from you. You can contact her at Mel@braintumourresearch.org.uk