Applications for the 2023 – 2024 academic year have now closed. Applications to become a mentor will next open in November 2024.
Who are we looking for?
Because we teach you the debating skills, we don’t necessarily need you to have had any prior debating or mooting experience –although it can be useful. Instead, we look for:
- Genuine interest in the criminal justice system. This doesn’t mean you have to be committed to the criminal bar.
- Commitment. Prison teaching won’t always go to plan. Lessons can be rearranged at short notice due to security issues, and take a lot of time in any case. We need to know you’ll be there regardless.
- People skills. We can teach you to teach, but it really helps for us to know that you like working with other people and feel comfortable speaking in front of a room.
Vocalise cannot send you into prisons to teach unless you are Member of an Inn. You do not have to be a Member to apply, but if accepted, you will have to join up no later than bootcamp.
As such, this programme will mostly be aimed at people with a firm intention to become barristers, particularly GDL students and Bar Course students.
You don’t have to join Gray’s Inn specifically, as this programme as open to all Inns, but if you are trying to choose an Inn, we obviously recommend Gray’s Inn!
Please contact Vocalise if you require further information.