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- Tasks: Lead the delivery of a reading strategy to help people in prison improve their literacy.
- Company: Join Shannon Trust, dedicated to transforming lives through reading in prisons.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, pension contributions, life insurance, and paid volunteering days.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for permanent position and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by empowering individuals through the joy of reading.
- Qualifications: Experience in prison settings and strong relationship-building skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison? Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide reading strategy coordination at HMP Whatton.
Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and implementation of HMP Whatton’s prison wide reading strategy, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read and enjoy the benefits of reading.
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. This role is a fixed term role until 31st March 2027 with the opportunity to be made permanent subject to contract renewal. 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
- an Employee Assistance Programme
The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation. 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.
Closing date is 3rd May 2026. Interviews are planned for 7th May 2026.
Reading Strategy Coordinator employer: Shannon Trust
Contact Detail:
Shannon Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reading Strategy Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Shannon Trust or HMP Whatton. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation's values and recent projects. We want to see your passion for improving literacy in prison settings, so be ready to share your thoughts on how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've tackled challenges, especially in similar environments. This will demonstrate your resilience and determination.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Reading Strategy Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Reading Strategy Coordinator role. Highlight any relevant experience in prison settings and your ability to build relationships, as these are key to the position.
Showcase Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for addressing low literacy levels and improving lives through reading. Share personal stories or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as it can really make your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and how you fit into our mission at Shannon Trust.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shannon Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Reading Strategy Coordinator and the specific challenges faced in prison settings. Familiarise yourself with Shannon Trust's mission and how they aim to improve literacy levels. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
If you've worked in prison settings before, be ready to share specific examples of how you've built relationships and tackled challenges. Highlight your resilience and problem-solving skills, as these are key qualities for this role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Connect with the Culture
Shannon Trust values a strong organisational culture, so be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Share any experiences that demonstrate your commitment to helping others, especially in challenging environments. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can make a real difference.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the reading strategy implementation or how they measure success in their programmes. Asking questions shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you too.