Competition Judge

The English-Speaking Union is an international charity and organisation. Our mission is to equip young people with the communication skills and cross-cultural understanding they need to thrive and build a more collaborative world. 

We work with young people and their teachers to improve oracy skills, particularly in areas of disadvantage. Running three national and one international competition, we give young people the opportunity to hone these skills, and offer a variety of cultural exchanges for students, teachers and professionals alike to build relationships and strengthen connections across communities and countries. 

We also run fun, games-led debate and public speaking curricula and workshops that encourage students to discuss a wide range of topical issues with an open mind. We guide schools on using oracy in the classroom as well as setting up and maintaining their own debate clubs, and provide teachers with a range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities in the fields of speech and debate. 

About the role:

Volunteer as a Competition Judge with the English-Speaking Union and help young people develop the public speaking, listening and debating skills they need to thrive now and in their futures. 

We run three national competitions: 

Mace Debating Competition  
Public Speaking Competition  
Performing Shakespeare Competition  

As a volunteer judge, you can support one, two or all three competitions, depending on your interests and availability — there is no need to commit to every competition.

For each competition, you will be part of a judging panel of up to three judges. Your role will be to listen to and consider participants’ performances and provide constructive feedback, helping young people to develop their confidence and communication skills. 

Our competitions run from November to June, with opportunities to volunteer at different stages throughout the competition season. There will be opportunities to volunteer in and around North Tyneside, as well as at competitions across England and Wales, so you can choose a location that suits you. 

Comprehensive training and ongoing support will be provided. You don’t need to be an experienced debater or public speaker to volunteer as a judge, a willingness to help, encourage and empower young people to find their voices and grow in confidence is enough. 

Interested in volunteering? You can express your interest by completing this form, and we’ll be in touch. You can also apply directly via: the ESU volunteer sign-up form: https://www.esu.org/programmes/volunteer-sign-up-form/

What skills do I need?

Creative Skills, Leadership, Oral Communication Skills, Public Speaking, Team Working, Written Communication Skills 

About The English-Speaking Union

The ESU’s speech and debate programmes and international exchanges improve young people’s attainment, self-esteem and social skills, helping them to fulfil their potential and to change their lives and communities for the better. We are looking for volunteers to help support and judge our competitions, please find details below: • Schools’ Mace - The oldest debating competition for schools in England and Wales (ages 11-18) • Public Speaking Competition - The largest such competition for schools in England and Wales (ages 13-16) • Performing Shakespeare Competition - Students express their passion and imagination and compete for a chance to perform at Shakespeare’s Globe (ages 11-14) You don’t need to be a debater or public speaker yourself – you just need to be enthusiastic about encouraging and inspiring young people to be the best they can be. There are opportunities throughout the year, each requiring around 4-5 hours’ commitment from late afternoon onwards. Full training is given, and it’s great fun, with students often covering thought-provoking topics from obesity and the NHS to Churchill and what defines happiness.

When do I need to be available?

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Details

Volunteers are required on weekday afternoons from 4:00pm for a minimum of 4 hours. Our competitions run from November to June, with opportunities to volunteer at different stages throughout the competition season. There will be opportunities to volunteer in and around North Tyneside, as well as at competitions across England and Wales, so you can choose a location that suits you. Opportunity times Weekday afternoons from 4pm DBS required No Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs? Yes Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)? No Minimum hours commitment 4 Location Volunteers can choose the location; we have heats all over England and Wales

Where does this role take place?