Language in Action has been delivering real-world English learning experiences since 2014. We believe that language is best learned by doing — so our programmes bring classroom learning to life through authentic, engaging activities and cultural experiences across the UK.
Our students don’t just improve their English; they grow in confidence, independence, and cultural understanding. And the people who work with us play a key part in creating that supportive, inspiring environment.
As part of Malvern International, a leading global education provider, Language in Action is a friendly and collaborative team with the resources, experience and energy to offer exciting opportunities for staff and students alike. If you’re passionate about education, enthusiastic about working with young people, and enjoy a dynamic environment, you’ll feel right at home here.
Our mission
Malvern International’s mission is to equip students for success through language experiences, university pathways, and career focused learning, and help our partners grow through innovative education services.
Our values are passion, expertise, creativity, change-making and collaboration
We’re seeking theatrical, energetic, enthusiastic individuals with a natural flair for engaging with young learners. If you’re creative, dynamic, and passionate about inspiring and entertaining children (10-19yrs) while making learning fun, this exciting role at our Language in Action Summer School is perfect for you!
Position:
Tour Guide (Non-residential)
Line Manager:
Tour Coordinator
Line Manager Reports to:
Centre Manager
Contract:
Full Time, Fixed Term (4-8 weeks)
Responsible for:
The planning, organisation and delivery of the tour programme. Providing guided tours of museums, galleries, and famous landmarks across the city (guide notes and training provided). Keeping students engaged and entertained during periods of travel. Ensuring all student welfare needs are met at all times when on tours, and that all students are happy, having fun and participating at all times. This role requires full participation on all tours.
Purpose:
The main role of a Tour Guide is to engage with the students and, in turn, make sure that the students engage with all aspects of their excursion time. This means communicating, interacting and being alongside the students throughout the day, and making sure they are happy, involved and having fun.
Is Training Provided?
Yes, we offer a comprehensive training programme prior to the summer through a mix of our online training portal and online video calls. We will talk you through every aspect of the summer, and you’ll get to work closely with the Programme Managers and the teams from our other centres, so that when you start your new role, you know exactly what to do.
General duties and Responsibilities
- Represent the company professionally at a local level.
- Act in a professional and appropriate manner with all of Language in Action/Malvern International’s agents, clients, students, host-campus staff and Language in Action staff; not to engage in any activity which may bring Language in Action/Malvern International or the host campus into disrepute.
- Wear the Language in Action uniform.
- Complete mandatory online training, attend a training day, or days, prior to the start of the course, and thereafter to attend any staff meetings deemed necessary by the on-site management team.
- Read, be fully conversant with, and act in accordance with the staff handbook, company policies, relevant Child Protection documents and all risk assessments prior to the start of the period of employment (documents supplied prior to the start of employment). Remaining vigilant in all matters of student welfare and reporting issues or concerns to an appropriate member of staff.
- Act always in accordance with the company policies outlined in the staff handbook and with the safeguarding policy to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. Maintaining an approachable, but professional and appropriate attitude towards all students, group leaders and staff.
- Ensure that the company’s Health and Safety guidelines are followed, both on campus and when students are on off-site excursions.
- Ensure that students adhere to the code of conduct laid down by the company and report any incidents of misbehaviour to the appropriate member of staff.
- Be involved in any activity necessary for the smooth running of the centre.
Role Specific Responsibilities and Tasks
Tours and Excursions
- Assist with all aspects of arrivals and departures on campus, including but not limited to the following:
- Room checks prior to student arrival.
- Student check-in and registration.
- Campus tours.
- Airport pickups and group departures.
- Be familiar with all risk assessments related to tours and excursions.
- Take delivery of packed meals and other supplies (may include lifting and unusual working hours)
- Facilitate the collection of packed meals by all students prior to their daily departures.
- Plan for, organise, deliver, and fully participate in programme tours and excursions including but not limited to the following:
- Safely and efficiently escorting students to and from tours and excursions.
- Engaging with students whilst travelling through quizzes, games and group-based activities and conversation.
- Deliver detailed, interesting and educational guided tours for each tour or excursion.
- Deliver and run work materials for students when on tours and excursions.
- Take photos and videos of tours for social media use in line with company policies.
- Attend regular team meetings scheduled by the Tour Coordinator.
- Maintain clear avenues of regular communication with Agency Group Leaders, Tour Coordinator, and the rest of the management team.
- Ensure all people in your care have the correct details and provisions before and during each tour or excursion.
- Familiarise yourself with the campus of the centre you are assigned to, and also the nearest town or local area.
- Work with the team of Language in Action staff at the centre and develop a friendly and co-operative atmosphere.
- Engage with the students in a friendly but professional manner.
- Assist the management team with any administrative tasks as they see fit.
- Ensure Language in Action has a visible presence on the campus through correct branding placement and presentation.
- Provide support on or lead evening activities on occasion if requested by your line manager (typically covering for staff sickness / absence).
Welfare & Safeguarding Duties
- Complete mandatory welfare training prior to the student’s arrival.
- Be responsible for the students’ overall safety and security off-campus.
- Assist with Fire drills across the campus.
- Report all incidents through the correct channels and procedures.
- Carry first aid boxes and documentation on all tours and excursions.
- Ensure you know the Safety procedures and potential risks involved in each of your duties.
- Be familiar with the record of student allergies and illnesses.
- Monitor local news and weather for unforeseeable events that may affect the timetable.
- Complete mandatory Safeguarding training prior to the student’s arrival.
- Work with Agency Group Leaders to ensure all students are at the meeting points, and report to line manager if they can’t participate in any activities.
- Report any safeguarding issue to your line manager immediately.
- Adhere to and promote the Language in Action and Malvern International Safeguarding policy and apply it to all aspects of your work at all times.
- Read, understand, and be prepared to action Language in Action policies to the Tour Guide role and to student welfare.
Summer centres operate 24 hours a day and can be extremely busy places. There may be duties to perform in addition to those detailed above. Flexibility and common sense are fundamental attributes for this position.
Person Specification
The person
The Tour Guide role requires an outgoing, energetic, and confident person who can communicate with large groups of people with ease. An ideal candidate can lead by example, participate in tasks with maximum effort, and is able to collaborate with colleagues to deliver, fun, and engaging experiences for the students.
The role requires flexibility in approach and excellent organisational skills, as well as the ability to adapt plans in the moment. Tour Guides are able to show initiative and common sense and can demonstrate the ability to adapt to changing situations with ease.
An ideal candidate for the role would show a genuine interest in museums, art, or history, whilst also being able to share this passion with a young audience. However, we welcome anyone who has the right approach to the role.
Skills and Abilities
Essentials:
- Ability to engage with large groups of people in an entertaining and interactive way.
- High level of spoken and written English.
- Computer literacy (Microsoft Word and Excel or equivalents).
- Eligibility to work in the UK before employment commencement date.
- Ability to retain and recall information.
- Experience of any kind in public speaking, performance, or engagement.
Desirable:
- Experience as a tour guide.
- Participation in the Enhanced DBS Update Service (UK citizens only).
- Safeguarding training / certification.
- First Aid certification.
- Knowledge of the local area.
- Experience as part of a team, group, or society.
- Experience participating in sports, games, arts, dance, or group activities.
- Experience working with children aged 10-19 years.
PLEASE NOTE
The role will only be offered to those who are able to complete a successful Enhanced DBS check (UK) / Police Check (non-UK) prior to the start of the programme.
This job description is provided as a guide to the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive description of duties and responsibilities and may be subject to periodic revision. Due to the nature of short-term language courses, a high degree of flexibility is required. You may be required to work at unsociable hours or assist in duties such as early morning or late-night arrivals and departures, and curfew supervision. The list of duties in the job description should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. There will be other duties and requirements associated with the position and, in addition, as a term of your employment you may be required to undertake various other duties as may reasonably be required.
The company reserves the right, from time to time, to update your job description to reflect changes in, or to, your job. You will be consulted about any proposed changes.
ROOM AND BOARD
Where a fully residential position is offered, employees will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a standard single room, for which an offset fee of £79.61 per week will be deducted from the salary.
Where a non-residential position is offered, employees will be provided with lunch on working days only.
PAY AND CONDITIONS
Weekly Salary range: £550 (Gross salary)
Holiday will be accrued in accordance with UK laws and regulations and will be paid at the end of your employment. Working hours may vary based on a number of operational factors, but typical working hours for a full-time position are 43 hours per week. Weekend and late evening work is required and working schedules run on a shift basis.
Applicants must have a UK bank account.
HOW TO APPLY
SAFER RECRUITMENT POLICY
Language in Action is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all stakeholders and members of staff to share this commitment.
Language in Action operates a strict Safer Recruitment policy requiring all staff to undergo checks of their suitability to work with children prior to confirmation of employment.
All applicants will be required to supply an up-to-date CV and the contacts of two suitable referees (including at least one former employer) which will be contacted prior to employment. Any gaps in employment will be investigated. Referees will be asked specifically about the applicant’s suitability to work with children.
All staff will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check unless they provide details of their DBS update service subscription. Appropriate local police checks will be required from applicants living overseas. If applicants have lived for more than 3 months in different countries within the previous 5 years, they will be required to provide a police check from each different local police authority.
All staff will be required to provide proof of identity and relevant qualifications (originals only) – photocopies will be taken for our records. They will also be required to sign a ‘Suitability to Work with Children’ declaration stating that they are not barred from working with minors.
Offers of employment are subject to two satisfactory references and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check