Trustee Secretary
Salary £ Volunteer Role
STRM HQ & Outreach Locations
Vacancy listed 02/03/2026
Application deadline 31/03/2026
Details
Trustee Secretary

STRM – SEND the Right Message (Charity No. 1193572)

About STRM
SEND the Right Message (STRM) is a “by parents, for parents” registered charity.
We aim to improve the lives of families across Southend, Castle Point, Rochford, and Essex where a child or young person (aged 0–25) has, or may have, special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
 
Our vision is for parent carers, children, and young people with SEND to fulfil their potential — enabling families to live happier, healthier, longer lives. We are a neuro-affirming, family-led organisation guided by our GUIDE.
 
We are committed to maintaining a culture of inclusion, transparency, and trust where safeguarding, equality, and lived experience are at the heart of all we do.

Our GUIDE Values
| G – Growth | Championing radical resilience and confidence in families and communities.
| U – Understanding | Listening with kindness, empathy, and compassion.
| I – Integrity | Acting with honesty, authenticity, and transparency — building trust in all we do.
| D – Diversity | Valuing difference, welcoming everyone, and celebrating uniqueness.
| E – Encouragement | Creating safe, nurturing spaces where families feel supported to thrive.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Governance & Compliance
  • Maintain up-to-date records of trustees and governance documents.
  • Ensure compliance with Charity Commission requirements, including timely submission of the Annual Return and Register updates.
  • Support the Board in fulfilling duties under charity law and the governing document.
  • Monitor trustee terms, appointments and resignations.
  • Maintain the register of interests and manage declared conflicts.

Board Administration
  • Prepare and circulate agendas in consultation with the Chair.
  • Ensure accurate and timely minutes of Board and committee meetings.
  • Maintain organised records of minutes and governance documentation.
  • Ensure trustees receive papers in advance and in accessible formats.

Support to the Chair & Trustees
  • Act as a point of contact for governance queries.
  • Support planning of the annual governance cycle and compliance deadlines.
  • Assist with trustee recruitment, induction and governance training.

Policy & Governance Oversight
  • Maintain a policy review schedule (e.g. safeguarding, GDPR, conflicts of interest).
  • Ensure the charity operates in line with its governing document.
  • Support governance in line with Charity Commission guidance (CC3).
 
Skills & Experience

Essential
  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to produce clear, accurate minutes and governance documentation.
  • Understanding of governance and compliance, or willingness to learn.
  • Clear and professional communication skills.
  • Integrity and discretion when handling sensitive information.
  • Commitment to STRM’s mission and values.

Desirable
  • Experience in charity governance, administration or board secretariat roles.
  • Familiarity with Charity Commission requirements and good governance practice.
  • Confidence using digital tools for document management and communication.
 
Personal Qualities
  • Honest, reliable and trustworthy
  • Acts with integrity and independence
  • Reflective and open to learning
  • Collaborative and supportive of collective decision-making
  • Committed to inclusion and ethical governance
 
Time Commitment
  • Attendance at Board meetings (monthly or quarterly, depending on governance cycle). Meetings may be held on Saturdays or occasional weekday evenings.
  • Additional time for preparing agendas, minutes and governance documentation.
  • The Board typically meets quarterly, with occasional additional strategy or governance sessions if required. 
  • Occasional involvement in trustee recruitment, policy reviews and strategy sessions.
Estimated commitment: approximately 4–8 hours per month.

·         An Enhanced or Basic DBS check may be required in line with STRM’s safeguarding policy.

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 DBS check in line with STRM’s Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment Policies.

Why This Role Matters
Behind every well-run charity is strong governance. As Trustee Secretary, your work creates the structure, clarity and accountability that enable STRM to operate transparently, legally and effectively.

Your contribution strengthens the charity’s credibility and integrity allowing the Board to focus on improving outcomes for neurodivergent and disabled children and the families who rely on us.

Support & Expenses
·         Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (e.g. authorised travel)
·         Peer support within a values-led Board
·         Mileage reimbursement for authorised trave
·         Paid training & learning sessions
·         Discounted carers’ breaks
·         Team-building sessions and peer support
·         Discount schemes for charity workers

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