Conversational English Volunteer in Portsmouth

Location: Portsmouth

Hours: 3 hours per week

Closing date: 28 May 2026

As a Conversational English Volunteer, you will support adults and families seeking sanctuary in the UK to practice and build confidence in spoken English through friendly, informal conversation sessions. Working alongside other volunteers, you will help develop and facilitate weekly sessions focusing on topics that promote integration and wellbeing. You will play an important role in reducing isolation, improving confidence, and supporting the wellbeing of people from migrant backgrounds. This role is crucial in complementing existing Migrant Help services by providing welcoming, in-person opportunities for social connection and language practice.

What you will do:

• Provide regular weekly Conversational English sessions for people seeking asylum
• Together with other volunteers, plan the sessions and materials
• Build trusting relationships with students
• Find out from students what areas they want to cover and what skills they want to develop, and incorporate this into future sessions
• Provide encouragement to speak English and create a safe environment to make mistakes and build confidence
• Set up and pack away the resources
• Be empathetic and patient in sessions
• Provide ongoing feedback to Volunteer Coordinator throughout the duration of the project
• Uphold professional boundaries
• Report any safeguarding or confidentiality breach concerns to your volunteer supervisor as soon as possible

What we expect from you:

• Complete relevant induction and training provided by Migrant Help
• Undergo required vetting (DBS and references)
• Commit to volunteering for a minimum of 6 months, at agreed times
• Attend volunteer support sessions as required
• Complete feedback forms when required highlighting any growth opportunities and honestly communicating what is not working well
• Have access to the internet and laptop
• Adhere to confidentiality and safeguarding procedures
• Uphold Migrant Help’s values
• Start volunteering at an agreed time and be punctual
• Complete all relevant documentation as required by volunteer coordinator
• Be open and understanding of different customs, values, and beliefs
• Work closely with other volunteers as part of a team

What you will not be able to do:

• Volunteer with us if you are under 18
• Exchange contact information with clients
• Buy gifts, food or lend or give/receive money to/from clients
• Carry out casework tasks, such as completing benefits applications, liaising with local authorities or referring to other services or providing immigration advice
• Take learners off site without staff

You will be an excellent candidate for this role if you:

• Are fluent in English
• Have spare time and can make a regular commitment
• Have previous experience of teaching English (desirable)
• Can be creative and come up with new ways to learn
• Have a non-judgmental and inclusive attitude
• Have a friendly and approachable nature
• Are reliable and punctual
• Are patient and empathetic when listening to others
• Uphold personal values that are consistent with Migrant Help values of protection, diversity, equality, partnership, innovation, and excellence
• Are a keen learner
• Can use MS Office, Zoom and MS Teams platforms

You will benefit from volunteering with us by:

• Gaining experience useful for your future CVs and cover letters
• Being able to provide a volunteering reference to your future employer or educator
• Being a part of a dedicated and inclusive service
• Developing new skills
• Being more aware of immigration and asylum systems in the UK
• Having reasonable expenses reimbursed
• Having regular check-ins and supervision to support your volunteering experience and growth

About Migrant Help:

Migrant Help is a leading charity that has been established for over 50 years and delivers a range of support and advice services to migrants across the UK. Our vision is for a global society that protects vulnerable migrants, treats them with respect and enables them to reach their full potential. We place a high value on employees in relation to the work that they do and the benefits the organisation offers, with an ethos of being a Great Place to Work. At Migrant Help, we foster a culture in which equality, diversity and inclusion are recognised, valued and encouraged. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, we match your skills with the needs of our organisation. As long as you share our values, vision and goals. We welcome applications from candidates regardless of their age, religion or belief, race, gender reassignment, disability, sexual orientation, sex, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity. Migrant Help is committed to safeguarding those we provide a service to; applicants will have to undergo strict vetting procedures throughout different stages of the recruitment process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role, please click on the 'use this link to apply' button and complete the online application form. As part of your role, it is important you operate within Migrant Help’s values: Protection, Diversity, Equality, Partnership, Innovation and Excellence. Migrant Help is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.