Volunteer Trustee Treasurer

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.
• Use your skills and experience to support a growing local charity with ambitious plans for the future.
• Play an important role in ensuring that charitable funds are managed effectively and responsibly.
• Help SEN SHED expand the number of workshops and opportunities available to the young people we support.
• Gain valuable experience of charity governance and strategic leadership.
• Work alongside a passionate and dedicated team committed to creating positive opportunities for SEN children and young adults.

The Role

The Volunteer Trustee Treasurer plays a key role in helping SEN SHED maintain strong financial management, transparency, and good governance.

Working closely with the Chair and fellow Trustees, the Treasurer helps ensure that the charity's finances are managed responsibly and that trustees have the financial information needed to make informed decisions.

The Treasurer is not expected to undertake all day-to-day bookkeeping personally but will provide oversight, guidance, and assurance that appropriate financial controls and reporting arrangements are in place.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Oversight

• Monitor the financial affairs of the charity.
• Ensure appropriate financial records and controls are maintained.
• Present clear and concise financial reports to the Board of Trustees.
• Assist trustees in understanding the charity's financial position.
• Monitor income, expenditure, cash flow, and reserves.

Budgeting and Planning

• Help prepare and monitor annual budgets.
• Support financial planning and sustainability.
• Advise trustees on the financial implications of proposed projects and activities.
• Assist in developing long-term financial strategies.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission and HMRC requirements.
• Support the preparation and submission of annual accounts, reports, and returns.
• Ensure appropriate financial policies and procedures are maintained.
• Help trustees fulfil their financial governance responsibilities.

Banking and Financial Administration

• Oversee charity bank accounts and financial transactions.
• Review payment authorisations where appropriate.
• Ensure charitable funds are used solely in support of the charity's objectives.
• Help maintain accurate records of grants, donations, sponsorship, and fundraising income.

Fundraising Support

• Provide financial information to support grant applications and funding bids.
• Assist trustees in assessing the financial viability of new initiatives.
• Help demonstrate effective stewardship of donor and grant funding.

What skills do I need?

Essential:

• Good financial awareness and organisational skills.
• Ability to present financial information clearly to non-financial trustees.
• Integrity, reliability, and attention to detail.
• Commitment to the aims and values of SEN SHED.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a trustee team.

Desirable

• Experience in bookkeeping, accounting, banking, finance, or business management.
• Knowledge of charity finance and governance.
• Experience using spreadsheets or accounting software.
• Understanding of Charity Commission requirements.

Previous charity treasurer experience is welcome but not essential. Applications are encouraged from individuals with experience in finance, bookkeeping, banking, business management, or similar roles who are willing to support the charity's mission.

Personal Qualities

• Enthusiastic about supporting children and young adults with Special Educational Needs.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Practical and solution-focused.
• Honest, trustworthy, and committed to good governance.