Trustee Treasurer

SEND the Right Message (STRM) is a parent-led charity supporting families of children and young people aged 0–25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across Southend, Castle Point, Rochford and Essex.

We are looking for a Trustee Treasurer to join our Board and provide strategic financial oversight to help ensure the charity remains sustainable, compliant and able to expand support for neurodivergent and disabled children and families.

This is a voluntary governance role and not a day-to-day bookkeeping position.

The Treasurer works with the Chair, CEO, Business Manager and external accountants to ensure strong financial governance and oversight.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing financial oversight and strategic financial advice to the Board
• Supporting the development and monitoring of the charity’s annual budget
• Reviewing management accounts and highlighting risks or variances
• Ensuring appropriate oversight of restricted and designated funds
• Supporting the preparation of annual accounts and liaising with the independent examiner
• Ensuring strong financial controls and risk management processes
• Presenting financial information clearly to trustees to support decision making

All trustees share collective responsibility for the governance and direction of the charity, ensuring it operates in line with its governing document and Charity Commission guidance.

The Board typically meets quarterly, with occasional additional strategy or governance sessions if required.

Time commitment is approximately 4–8 hours per month, including attendance at Board meetings and reviewing papers in advance.

This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the future of a growing community charity supporting SEND families.

What skills do I need?

• Strong financial literacy or experience in finance, accounting or financial management
• Ability to interpret financial information and explain it clearly to non-financial colleagues
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• Understanding of financial governance and risk management
• Commitment to transparency, accountability and ethical governance
• Interest in supporting families of children with SEND

Knowledge of charity finance is helpful but not essential.

Interests

• Civic Responsibility and Communities
• Disability
• Families and Parenting

Activities

• Business Skills
• Fundraising and Finance
• Trusteeship and Committee Work