Speak English Together groups meet in Oldham library on Wednesday and Friday mornings.
As a volunteer group leader, you’ll be part of a supportive team, helping to learners feel comfortable in building confidence to speak English as a second language.
Guiding informal conversations using a range of ready-made prompts, games, and activities designed to encourage discussion and participation at different ability levels.
Your role is to support, and encourage, learners as they practise their language skills in a natural, social setting. This opportunity is ideal for someone who is chatty, approachable, enjoys meeting people from different backgrounds and is enthusiastic about helping others learn and grow.
No previous teaching experience is required — full training and ongoing support will be provided to help you feel confident in the role.
Key information
- Duration: Time limited
- Start Date: 30th May 2026
- End Date: 30th May 2026
- Volunteer: Weekly
- Availability: Wednesday AM, Friday AM
- Tasks: Main Activities and Tasks:
Confidently engage small groups of adult learners in meaningful English conversation
Encourage participants to speak English, build vocabulary, and grow in confidence
Support the development of speaking, listening, and reading skills in a respectful and encouraging way
Signpost learners to further educational opportunities, such as Lifelong Learning
Promote reading and encourage use of library services and facilities
Work as part of a team to support learning
Arrive by 9:55am to review session resources
Stay after the session to help clear away materials
Qualities and Experience Sought:
A strong level of English (must be ESOL level 2 plus or above), with an interest in other languages
Friendly, approachable, and confident when speaking to groups of adults
Strong communication skills with learners, staff, volunteers, and service users
Reliable, responsible, and enthusiastic, and able to offer a strong weekly commitment
Patient, encouraging, and adaptable to different learning levels and abilities
Able to use initiative and work independently to lead a group
Willing to attend training and develop new skills
Time Commitment:
Wednesday 09:55-11:45am
Fridays 09:55-11:45am
Volunteers must be available for one full session each week
A minimum commitment of 6 weeks is required to provide consistency and support for learners - Training: Training sessions will be provided by the sessions leader
- Requirements: Willing to travel by public transport or find own way to volunteering location
- Skill And Qualifications Required: Experience working with people preferred.
- Interests: Community centre, Immigrants, Refugees
- Activities: Befriending, Coaching, Teaching, Training, Translation
- Skills: Talking to others, Teamwork
- Home Based: No
- DBS Check: Yes
- Are Volunteer Expenses Reimbursed?: Yes
Confidently engage small groups of adult learners in meaningful English conversation
Encourage participants to speak English, build vocabulary, and grow in confidence
Support the development of speaking, listening, and reading skills in a respectful and encouraging way
Signpost learners to further educational opportunities, such as Lifelong Learning
Promote reading and encourage use of library services and facilities
Work as part of a team to support learning
Arrive by 9:55am to review session resources
Stay after the session to help clear away materials
Qualities and Experience Sought:
A strong level of English (must be ESOL level 2 plus or above), with an interest in other languages
Friendly, approachable, and confident when speaking to groups of adults
Strong communication skills with learners, staff, volunteers, and service users
Reliable, responsible, and enthusiastic, and able to offer a strong weekly commitment
Patient, encouraging, and adaptable to different learning levels and abilities
Able to use initiative and work independently to lead a group
Willing to attend training and develop new skills
Time Commitment:
Wednesday 09:55-11:45am
Fridays 09:55-11:45am
Volunteers must be available for one full session each week
A minimum commitment of 6 weeks is required to provide consistency and support for learners