Volunteer Hub
Volunteer Judge - Performing Shakespeare Competition
Organisation Details
English Speaking Union
Sub theme: Education, Youth Work and Young People
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: The English Speaking Union is a charity dedicated to improving oracy and public speaking skills. We believe that all young people deserve to have the speaking and listening skills they need to thrive.
Description of role: As a Volunteer Judge for the ESU Performing Shakespeare Competition, you will play a key role in supporting and inspiring young performers. The competition encourages students to engage with Shakespeare’s works while developing their oracy and performance skills. Your main responsibility is to observe and judge student performances, provide constructive feedback, and help ensure that judging is fair, consistent, and encouraging. Working as part of a panel of up to three judges, you will bring impartiality, kindness, and enthusiasm to your role, helping students build confidence and grow their skills in public speaking and performance.
Volunteer judges are essential in making the competition a positive, memorable experience for students. Panels are supported by ESU staff, and comprehensive guidance and training is provided, so no previous experience in theatre or judging is required — just a willingness to encourage and empower young people.
Opportunities are available across England and Wales, including regional rounds in and around Manchester. By contributing your time and insight, you will help young people develop their confidence, find their voices, and enjoy the experience of performing in a supportive environment.
Training involved:
We offer a 30–40 minute online training session that you can complete at any time. This is supported by a comprehensive competition handbook. The training covers the structure of the competition, how to judge the young people’s performances and how to offer constructive feedback. It also includes essential safeguarding guidance.
Throughout the training, you will learn key aspects of effective leadership, judging criteria, and what to look for in listening, debating and public speaking skills, as well as form and style. Despite being brief, the training provides everything you need to feel confident and well-prepared in your role.
Support:
Our Supporter Services team are available to help with any questions you may have, including assistance with the training, guidance on organisation, or any concerns about the role.
On the day of the competition, an ESU member of staff will be present to lead the event. They will oversee the running of the competition, support you throughout the day, and ensure you have everything you need and that all instructions are clear.
To express your interest or apply directly, visit: https://www.esu.org/programmes/volunteer-application/
Volunteer judges are essential in making the competition a positive, memorable experience for students. Panels are supported by ESU staff, and comprehensive guidance and training is provided, so no previous experience in theatre or judging is required — just a willingness to encourage and empower young people.
Opportunities are available across England and Wales, including regional rounds in and around Manchester. By contributing your time and insight, you will help young people develop their confidence, find their voices, and enjoy the experience of performing in a supportive environment.
Training involved:
We offer a 30–40 minute online training session that you can complete at any time. This is supported by a comprehensive competition handbook. The training covers the structure of the competition, how to judge the young people’s performances and how to offer constructive feedback. It also includes essential safeguarding guidance.
Throughout the training, you will learn key aspects of effective leadership, judging criteria, and what to look for in listening, debating and public speaking skills, as well as form and style. Despite being brief, the training provides everything you need to feel confident and well-prepared in your role.
Support:
Our Supporter Services team are available to help with any questions you may have, including assistance with the training, guidance on organisation, or any concerns about the role.
On the day of the competition, an ESU member of staff will be present to lead the event. They will oversee the running of the competition, support you throughout the day, and ensure you have everything you need and that all instructions are clear.
To express your interest or apply directly, visit: https://www.esu.org/programmes/volunteer-application/
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Leadership, Oral Communication Skills, Public Speaking
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday Afternoon, Monday Evening, Tuesday Afternoon, Tuesday Evening, Wednesday Afternoon, Wednesday Evening, Thursday Evening, Friday Afternoon, Friday Evening
DBS required: Off
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:
University of Law, 2 New York St
Manchester
M1 4HJ