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- Tasks: Lead and support reading sessions for adults to improve their literacy skills.
- Company: Join Derby City Council, a dedicated organisation providing top-notch services in the Midlands.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop leadership skills, and make a positive community impact.
- Why this job: Share your passion for reading while helping others and boosting your confidence.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; just a love for reading and good communication skills.
- Other info: Open to anyone aged 14 or over; flexible hours and a supportive team environment.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
Job title Reading Project Volunteer Job reference 000011179 Date posted 11/06/2025 Application closing date Blank Working Pattern Blank Salary Unpaid Voluntary Position Contractual hours Blank Basis Part time Job category/type Libraries / Museums Attachments Blank Job description
Role: Reading Project Volunteer
Salary: Unpaid Voluntary Position
Location: Normanton Library, Riverside Library
Hours: Maximum of 2 hours 30 minutes hours per session
The role
Do you love reading and want to share that love with others?
We are looking for enthusiastic and committed volunteers to lead and support our Reading Project for adults.
The Reading Project is an informal group to support people looking to improve their English reading, writing and conversation skills.
You will be part of a team of volunteers delivering the sessions and you will help people by listening to them read, assisting and supporting them with basic literacy, instigating and facilitating conversations to improve speaking skills, and encouraging reading at home and finding suitable reading material for borrowing.
What we need
We need someone with a professional, positive and empathetic approach, including the ability to relate well to people of all ages and background, as well as a sound understanding of the English language and the ability to “teach” it, and excellent communication skills – including listening skills and the ability to understand non-verbal signals
Qualifications
No formal qualifications required.
Who We Are
Here at Derby City Council, we’re dedicated to delivering nearly 250 first-class services to citizens and businesses in the heart of the Midlands. People are at the centre of all that we do, and we have an outstanding track record of recruiting and developing talented individuals by providing them with varied and fulfilling career opportunities.
Why you should apply
You will have the opportunity to share your love of reading with other book lovers, develop leadership and social skills and increase confidence leading a group making a positive difference to your community.
Who can apply
Anyone aged 14 or over can apply. If you are under 16, a parent or guardian will need to agree that you can volunteer with us.
Interested? Please email libraries@derby.gov.uk to ask for an application form.
Before you complete your application form please read our guidance on filling in your application form.
Please be aware that where there are colleagues within the organisation who are \’at risk\’ of redundancy, requirements to redeploy to another suitable role will apply and take priority.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are a fair and inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We recruit for diversity and value difference. As many of our roles can now be home-based, we are able to offer more opportunities for people who need this facility.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. If you are a disabled person, you have the choice to apply under our Guaranteed Interview Scheme so long as you demonstrate that you meet the essential requirements for the job.
We feel it is essential that we recruit a talented workforce that is as diverse as the community we work for.
Please let us know of any individual requirements or reasonable adjustments you may have during the application, interview, or onboarding process and we’ll do all we can to help. We strongly believe in social understanding of disability and for us it’s all about removing barriers to equality.
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy or are having difficulty applying, please contact our Recruitment Team on 01332 640844 (Relay UK – 18001 01332 640 844) or at recruitmentteam@derby.gov.uk. https://www.derby.gov.uk/signing-service/
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Reading Project Volunteer employer: Derby City Council
Contact Detail:
Derby City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reading Project Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for reading! When you engage with the team or during any informal discussions, share your favourite books and authors. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the local community's needs. Understanding the demographics and literacy challenges in Normanton can help you connect better with potential participants and show that you're proactive.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current volunteers or staff at the library. They can provide insights into what makes a successful volunteer and may even offer tips on how to stand out during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your communication skills. Think of examples where you've effectively listened or helped others improve their skills, as this will be crucial in your role as a Reading Project Volunteer.
We think you need these skills to ace Reading Project Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Reading Project Volunteer position. Highlight your passion for reading and your ability to support others in improving their literacy skills.
Tailor Your Application: When writing your application, make sure to tailor it to the specific role. Mention any relevant experiences you have that demonstrate your communication skills, empathy, and ability to work with diverse groups of people.
Show Enthusiasm: Express your enthusiasm for reading and helping others in your application. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that showcase your love for books and your commitment to supporting others in their learning journey.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-written application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is important for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Derby City Council
✨Show Your Passion for Reading
Make sure to express your love for reading during the interview. Share personal experiences about how reading has impacted your life and why you want to help others improve their literacy skills.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Communication Skills
Since the role requires a positive and empathetic approach, be prepared to discuss how you relate to people from diverse backgrounds. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with others in the past.
✨Prepare for Role-Playing Scenarios
You might be asked to demonstrate how you would assist someone with reading or facilitate a conversation. Practise these scenarios beforehand so you can showcase your teaching abilities and patience.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the Reading Project. Inquire about the types of materials used or how success is measured in improving participants' skills.
