At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop reading and numeracy programmes for people in prison.
- Company: Shannon Trust is dedicated to improving literacy among incarcerated individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, pension contributions, life insurance, and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on lives while working in a supportive and passionate environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in prison settings and strong relationship-building skills are essential.
- Other info: Open to applicants with lived experience of the criminal justice system.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Salary: £29,264 per annum
Location: HMP Bedford and HMP Littlehey
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Shannon Trust facilitator – HMP Bedford & HMP LittleheyÂ
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Full time role (Part time role 3 days at HMP Bedford or 2 days at HMP Littlehey considered).Â
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Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?
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Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Bedford and HMP Littlehey. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read. Â
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Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach.Â
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This role is a fixed term role until 31st May 2027 with the opportunity to be made permanent subject to contract renewal.
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The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.
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?We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.
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Please note this role is subject to contract award
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?Interviews are planned for 17th April 2026
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REF-227 257
Prison Facilitator - HMP Bedford & HMP Littlehey employer: Shannon Trust
Contact Detail:
Shannon Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Facilitator - HMP Bedford & HMP Littlehey
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by individuals in prison regarding literacy. Understanding their unique needs will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals who have experience in prison education or rehabilitation. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills and resilience in real-life scenarios. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated challenges, as these qualities are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Shannon Trust’s values and mission. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs during the interview will show your genuine interest in contributing to their cause.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Facilitator - HMP Bedford & HMP Littlehey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Prison Facilitator position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially the importance of building relationships and problem-solving in a prison setting.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any experience you have in prison settings or similar environments. Showcase your ability to work with diverse groups and your commitment to improving literacy levels.
Personal Qualities: Make sure to convey your personal qualities such as resilience and determination in your application. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these traits.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and mission of Shannon Trust. Mention your enthusiasm for working in a supportive culture and your dedication to helping individuals in the criminal justice system.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shannon Trust
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Prison Facilitator. Familiarise yourself with Shannon Trust's mission and how their programmes operate within the prison system. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
If you have any experience working in prison settings or with vulnerable populations, be ready to discuss it. Highlight specific examples where you've built relationships, demonstrated resilience, or solved problems effectively.
✨Emphasise Soft Skills
This role requires strong interpersonal skills. Be prepared to discuss how you can build rapport with individuals in prison and work collaboratively with staff and volunteers. Share examples that showcase your empathy, patience, and communication skills.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation, the team you'll be working with, and the specific challenges faced in the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.