Literacy Specialist
Read Easy UK
Are you passionate about literacy and helping others achieve their potential? We're looking for a Literacy Specialist to play a vital role in supporting adults on their reading journey. This rewarding volunteer position helps ensure that Readers and Reading Coaches receive the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to succeed.
About Read Easy Imagine not being able to read a bus timetable, fill out a form at the doctors, or share a bedtime story with your child. For many adults in the UK, this is a daily reality. At Read Easy, we change that by offering free, confidential, one-to-one reading coaching that transforms lives. With the help of our volunteers, adults gain the skills and confidence to read, unlocking independence, new opportunities, and brighter futures. The Role: Literacy Specialist Are you passionate about literacy and helping others achieve their potential? We're looking for a Literacy Specialist to play a vital role in supporting adults on their reading journey. This rewarding volunteer position helps ensure that Readers and Reading Coaches receive the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to succeed. As a Literacy Specialist, you'll use your knowledge and experience to support the local Read Easy team, helping adults overcome reading challenges and build their confidence in a safe and supportive environment. This role would particularly suit someone with experience in teaching reading, literacy, education, or learning support, who wants to make a meaningful difference in their community. Key Responsibilities • Provide literacy support and advice to the Coordinator and Reading Coaches. • Visit reading pairs when needed to help address specific challenges and support progress. • Contribute to the planning, organisation, and delivery of Reading Coach meetings. • Create and maintain a Resources Box containing useful activities and materials for Coaches and Readers. • Assemble Starter Packs for new Coaches and Readers using Read Easy guidance. • Attend Management Team meetings, typically every 6 to 8 weeks. • Help ensure Readers receive the best possible support to achieve their reading goals. • Work collaboratively with our other Literacy Specialist and share the workload evenly. We'll Support You You won't be doing this alone. We'll provide: • Full induction, training, policies, resources, and ongoing guidance. • A Literacy Specialist Information Pack and Management Team Handbook. • Access to support from your local Team Leader and a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser. • Invitations to regional forums and annual conferences. • Opportunities to network with volunteers from other Read Easy groups. • Regular team meetings and ongoing support. Visit www.readeasy.org.uk to find out more about the Read Easy charity or email: threcruiter@readeasy.org.uk for detailed role description.
Administration,Advice, Information & Support,Teaching & Training,Volunteer Management
Admin, Creative & Design, Good IT Skills, Managing People, Organising & Planning, Reading & Writing
What We're Looking For: • A background in teaching reading or literacy (experience with adults is desirable but not essential). • Understanding of the differences between adult and child learning. • Knowledge of literacy resources and learning materials, or a willingness to research them. • Reasonable confidence using IT. • The ability to work independently and use initiative. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills. • A non-judgemental and inclusive approach, with respect for equality and diversity. • Reliability, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.
What You'll Gain: Volunteering as a Literacy Specialist is a rewarding opportunity to use your skills and experience to change lives through literacy. You'll also gain: • The satisfaction of helping adults achieve life-changing reading skills. • Experience working as part of a supportive volunteer management team. • Opportunities to develop leadership, mentoring, and communication skills. • The chance to meet and work collaboratively with new people. • Greater understanding of adult literacy challenges and solutions. • A valuable work experience reference to support future opportunities.
This flexible role requires approximately 3 to 4 hours per week, ideally with some availability during daytime hours. Much of the role can be carried out from home using a provided Microsoft 365 account, email, Microsoft Teams, telephone, and other online resources. Attendance at occasional Management Team meetings and visits to support reading pairs may be required.
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Home-based within the Tower Hamlets area, with occasional attendance at local meetings and events.
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