Trustee
Salary £ Volunteer Role
STRM HQ & Outreach Locations
Vacancy listed 02/03/2026
Application deadline 30/04/2026
Details
Trustee
STRM – SEND the Right Message (Charity No. 1193572)
About STRM
STRM – SEND the Right Message is a parent-led registered charity supporting families across Southend, Castle Point, Rochford and wider Essex where a child or young person (aged 0–25) has, or may have, special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
We provide practical guidance, early intervention, peer support and advocacy to families navigating the SEND system.
Our vision is for parent carers, children and young people with SEND to fulfil their potential — enabling families to live happier, healthier and longer lives.
We are guided by our GUIDE values and place safeguarding, equality and lived experience at the heart of everything we do.

Purpose of the Role
As a Trustee,  you share responsibility for the overall governance and strategic direction of STRM.
Trustees ensure the charity is well-run,  financially responsible  and compliant with charity law, enabling it to deliver meaningful impact for neurodivergent and disabled children and families.
This is a voluntary governance role. Trustees support strategy and oversight but are not responsible for day-to-day operational delivery. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities
  • Set and review the charity’s strategic direction.
  • Collectively ensures the charity operates in line with its governing document and Charity Commission guidance (including CC3 – The Essential Trustee).
  • Oversee financial sustainability and responsible use of charitable funds.
  • Monitor performance and ensure impact aligns with charitable objectives.
  • Provide constructive challenge and independent oversight.
  • Safeguard the charity’s assets, reputation and long-term sustainability.
  • Uphold high standards of governance, integrity and ethical conduct.

Governance & Accountability
Trustees share collective legal responsibility for the charity. 
They must:
  • Act in the best interests of STRM and its beneficiaries.
  • Ensure compliance with charity law and regulatory requirements.
  • Manage conflicts of interest appropriately.
  • Support a culture of safeguarding, inclusion and accountability.
Trustees are volunteers, although, reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with STRM policy.

Skills & Experience
We welcome trustees from a wide range of backgrounds. Key qualities include:
  • Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
  • Ability to contribute constructively to Board discussions.
  • Understanding of governance and accountability (or willingness to learn).
  • Commitment to STRM’s mission and values.
  • Integrity and independence.
Lived experience of SEND is welcomed but not essential.

Personal Qualities
  • Honest, reliable and trustworthy.
  • Collaborative and respectful in discussion and decision-making.
  • Open to learning and reflective practice.
  • Committed to inclusion, fairness and ethical governance.

Time Commitment
  • Attendance at Board meetings (monthly or quarterly, depending on governance cycle). Meetings are usually held on Saturdays or occasional weekday evenings.
  • Review of Board papers in advance of meetings.
  • The Board typically meets quarterly, with occasional additional strategy or governance sessions if required. 
  • Occasional involvement in strategy sessions or events.
Estimated commitment: approximately 4–8 hours per month.

Term of Office
  • Three-year term, renewable by Board approval.
  • Trustees must meet eligibility requirements under charity law.
  • A DBS check in line with STRM’s Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment Policies. 

Safeguarding Statement
STRM – SEND the Right Message is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

Safer recruitment is central to this commitment. All trustees share responsibility for upholding safeguarding, equality and ethical governance standards.

Appointments are subject to appropriate eligibility checks and may require an Enhanced or Basic DBS check in line with STRM’s Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment Policies.

Why This Role Matters
As a Trustee of STRM, your insight, challenge and support help ensure the organisation remains sustainable, transparent and impactful, enabling families of neurodivergent and disabled children to access the support, understanding and opportunities they deserve.

Your contribution helps shape the future of a growing parent-led charity and strengthens support for families navigating the SEND system.

Support & Expenses
·         Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (e.g. authorised travel)
·         Access to trustee training and development
·         Peer support within a values-led Board
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