Who Are We?
SEN SHED is a Sussex-based charity supporting children and young adults aged 11–22 with Special Educational Needs (SEN), including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neuro-diverse conditions.
Through supported woodturning and creative workshop activities, SEN SHED helps participants develop confidence, practical skills, social connections, and improved wellbeing in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.
As the charity grows, additional creative and practical activities may be introduced in response to the interests and aspirations of the young people we support.
Why Volunteer with SEN SHED?
- Help make a
meaningful difference to the lives of children and young adults with
Special Educational Needs and their families.
- Play a key role in
supporting the growth and governance of an ambitious local charity.
- Use your
organisational and administrative skills to support a worthwhile cause.
- Gain valuable
experience of charity leadership and governance.
- Work alongside a
passionate and dedicated team committed to creating positive opportunities
for SEN children and young adults.
The Role
The Volunteer Trustee Secretary plays an important role in supporting the effective govern-ance and administration of SEN SHED.
Working closely with the Chair and fellow Trustees, the Secretary helps ensure that trustee meetings are well organised, records are accurately maintained, and the charity continues to meet its governance and administrative responsibilities.
The Secretary is not expected to undertake all administrative activities personally but will help coordinate and oversee good governance practices across the charity.
Key Responsibilities
Governance and Trustee Support
- Support the Chair
and Board of Trustees in the effective administration of the charity.
- Help ensure that the
charity operates in accordance with its governing document and Charity
Commission requirements.
- Maintain an overview
of governance responsibilities and key compliance dates.
- Assist with trustee
recruitment, induction, and record-keeping where appropriate.
Trustee Meetings
- Arrange trustee
meetings in consultation with the Chair.
- Prepare and
distribute meeting agendas and supporting documents.
- Take accurate
minutes of trustee meetings and maintain records of decisions and actions.
- Circulate minutes
and action points following meetings.
- Maintain a record of
trustee attendance and decisions.
Record Keeping
- Maintain accurate
records of trustee meetings and governance documents.
- Ensure that
important charity documents are stored securely and can be easily accessed
when required.
- Maintain trustee
contact details and governance records.
- Assist in
maintaining policies and procedures and ensuring they remain up to date.
Communication and Administration
- Act as a central
point of contact for trustee communications where appropriate.
- Support the
coordination of trustee activities and correspondence.
- Help ensure that
information is shared effectively between trustees.
- Assist with the
preparation of governance-related reports and documentation.
Compliance
- Support the charity
in meeting Charity Commission filing and reporting requirements.
- Help ensure that
trustee decisions and governance processes are properly documented.
- Assist the Chair and
Treasurer in maintaining good governance standards across the charity.
What skills do I need?
Essential
- Good organisational
and administrative skills.
- Ability to take
accurate notes and prepare clear meeting minutes.
- Good written and
verbal communication skills.
- Attention to detail
and ability to maintain accurate records.
- Commitment to the
aims and values of SEN SHED.
- Ability to work
collaboratively as part of a trustee team.
Desirable
- Experience in
administration, governance, committee work, or secretarial roles.
- Experience of
minute-taking and organising meetings.
- Knowledge of charity
governance and Charity Commission requirements.
- Familiarity with
Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar systems.
Previous charity secretary experience is welcome but not essential.
Applications are encouraged from individuals with administration, governance,
project coordination, office management, or similar experience who are willing
to support the charity's mission.
Personal Qualities
- Enthusiastic about
supporting children and young adults with Special Educational Needs.
- Reliable, organised,
and professional.
- Good interpersonal
and communication skills.
- Practical and
solution-focused.
- Honest, trustworthy,
and committed to good governance.