Oracy trainers & mentors
ESU Oracy Trainers and Mentors work throughout the academic year delivering debating and public speaking sessions in Primary and Secondary schools; judge ESU competitions; lead activities and supervise participants during ESU residential programmes, as well as travel and deliver workshops around the world.
IPSC oracy coach
Working on our week-long residential competition the IPSC in May, oracy coaches are responsible for participants aged 16-20 from all over the world, delivering training and supervising excursions, alongside safeguarding and pastoral duties.
Schools’ Mace judges
The Schools’ Mace is the oldest and largest debating competition for schools in the United Kingdom. Our judges make sure that students adhere to the guidelines, rank the teams and provide constructive feedback to help debaters improve.
We are currently recruiting for judges. If you have experience of debating in an educational context and an interest in helping young people, then this is an excellent opportunity for paid, part-time, flexible work. Round 1 heats will take place via Zoom and run from 16:30 to 19:00 or 20:00. The rate of pay is £40 per heat. Round 2 onwards will be in person, so we are keen to expand our judging pool geographically. Being a Schools’ Mace judge is both incredibly rewarding and a chance to develop skills of leadership, facilitation and communication.
Other roles
The ESU is always keen to hear from enthusiastic and experienced teachers, debaters and public speakers to help us deliver our debating and public-speaking programmes, workshops and competitions; to support participants during the ESU’s residential Debate Academy and the International Public Speaking Competition, and to travel and deliver workshops around the world.
These are paid roles and the ESU offers full training for each. We also cover the cost of a Child Protection Level 2 qualification and an Enhanced DBS Disclosure for all teaching staff. All roles are a great opportunity to gain practical experience and to share your skills with young people across England and Wales, helping them to improve their communication skills, boosting their confidence and helping them to realise their full potential. By working for us in this way, you are also invited to apply for the ESU’s international debate tours which run every year in countries such as Japan, Denmark and the US. Find out more here.
Debate Tour Oracy Coach
Each year the ESU sends coaches to some of our international ESUs including the US, Romania, Japan, Denmark and Italy. Our coaches are responsible for leading workshops for both students and adults, participating in public debates, helping run competitions and participating in a wide range of cultural exchange activities.
Debate Academy Oracy Coach
Working at the week-long residential programme Debate Academy in August, oracy coaches are responsible for leading workshops, games and activities alongside safeguarding and pastoral duties.
I took part in ESU competitions throughout school and I really wanted to give back and become a mentor myself
Constance Collard
ESU alumna and oracy trainer & mentor
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 safeguarding policy here.
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.
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