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

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

The Trustee Treasurer is a full member of the Board, leading on financial oversight and strategic financial guidance.

This is a voluntary governance role, not a day-to-day bookkeeping position. The Treasurer ensures strong financial stewardship, compliance and long-term sustainability.

Governance & Accountability

The Treasurer shares collective legal responsibility with the Board for the governance and direction of STRM.

This role is unpaid (reasonable expenses may be reimbursed in line with policy).

The Treasurer works alongside the Chair, CEO, Business Manager and external accountants to ensure:

  • Compliance with charity law and financial regulations
  • Proper use of charitable funds
  • Clear and accurate financial reporting
  • Protection of the charity’s assets and reputation
  • Oversight of reserves policy and cash flow monitoring
 
Key Responsibilities

  • Lead financial oversight and provide strategic financial advice to the Board
  • Oversee annual budgeting and support longer-term financial planning
  • Review management accounts and highlight risks or variances
  • Ensure appropriate management of restricted and designated funds
  • Oversee preparation of annual accounts and liaise with the independent examiner
  • Ensure robust financial controls and risk management processes
  • Present financial information clearly to trustees
 
Core Trustee Duties

All trustees are responsible for:

  • Acting in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries
  • Ensuring financial stability and legal compliance
  • Setting strategic direction and monitoring performance
  • Safeguarding the charity’s assets and reputation
Trustees are collectively responsible for ensuring the charity operates in line with its governing document and Charity Commission guidance.

Skills & Experience

  • Strong financial literacy (accounting, finance or senior financial management experience desirable)
  • Ability to interpret financial information and explain it clearly to non-financial colleagues
  • Understanding of charity finance and governance (desirable but not essential)
  • Strategic thinking, sound judgement and risk awareness
  • Confidence to offer constructive challenge and independent oversight
  • Commitment to STRM’s mission and values

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 are usually held on Saturdays or occasional weekday evenings.
  • Review of Board papers and financial reports in advance.
  • The Board typically meets quarterly, with occasional additional strategy or governance sessions if required. 
  • Participation in budgeting and year-end processes.
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.
  • 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 or Basic DBS check in line with STRM’s Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment Policies.

Why This Role Matters

Strong financial oversight ensures STRM remains sustainable, compliant and able to expand support for neurodivergent and disabled children and families.

The Treasurer plays a key role in protecting the charity’s future.

Trustee 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

 



Benefits

Trustee 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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