By volunteering with us you can help ensure that young people have the speaking and listening skills they need to thrive in a changing world.
If you have some time to spare and an interest in public speaking, debating or the performance of Shakespeare’s plays, you could help us to help children in your area to discover their voice by coordinating or judging at one of our competitions. Full training is provided, helping you to give constructive feedback and encouragement, and ensuring young people can speak more confidently and feel a sense of pride in themselves and their achievements.
We’re hugely grateful to our many members who also volunteer their time, helping to organise and run ESU programmes and competitions. This is organised by our branch network across England and Wales.
‘Judging the heats at the IPSC this year was one of the most inspirational experiences I’ve had. Seeing all these incredibly talented young people was awe-inspiring and gave me hope for the future’
Anita Stern, ESU alumna and volunteer judge
ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition Coordinator
The ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition is the largest and most prestigious schools’ public speaking competition in England and Wales. Join our team of committed regional volunteers to organise and run heat(s) in your local area.
ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition Judge
The ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition is the largest and most prestigious schools public speaking competition in England and Wales. Join our team of volunteers as a judge offering competitors constructive oral feedback at a heat in your area.
ESU-Performing Shakespeare Competition Coordinator
The ESU Performing Shakespeare Competition allows young people (age 11–14) across England and Wales to practise their oracy and drama skills. Join our team of committed volunteers to organise and run an area final in your region.
ESU Performing Shakespeare Competition Judge
The ESU Performing Shakespeare Competition allows young people (age 11 – 14) across England and Wales to practice their oracy and drama skills. Join our team of committed volunteers to judge and offer feedback at an area final in your region.
Find out more
Applications for the academic year 2019-20 are now open.
If you are interested in coordinating or judging one of our national competitions, please click on the position (s) you are interested in above and follow the application instructions.
We’re also always looking for educationalists with a belief in our mission and a desire to broaden oracy access in their area. If this sounds like you, please get in touch by emailing volunteering@esu.org
Safeguarding
The ESU is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced criminal record with Barred List check through the Disclosure and Barring Service. Read our full safeguarding policy.
Equality and Diversity Monitoring form
The English-Speaking Union is committed to providing equal opportunities in our recruitment process. Completing this form is voluntary and all information you provide will remain confidential, however, it will allow us to assess the diversity of our workforce and ensure equal opportunities for all ESU staff and volunteers.
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