At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop reading and numeracy programmes for people in prison.
- Company: Join Shannon Trust, dedicated to improving literacy in prisons.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, pension contributions, life insurance, and paid volunteering days.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by empowering individuals through education.
- Qualifications: Experience in prison settings and strong relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Fixed term role with potential for permanence and a supportive culture.
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 peer-led learning programmes at HMP Rochester/HMP Cookham Wood and HMP Elmley.
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.
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.
Please note this role is subject to contract award. Interviews are planned for 12th May 2026 REF-227 826.
Prison Facilitator - HMP Rochester/Cookham Wood & HMP Elmley employer: Shannon Trust
Contact Detail:
Shannon Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Facilitator - HMP Rochester/Cookham Wood & HMP Elmley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your circle who might have connections in the prison service or education sectors. A friendly chat can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Shannon Trust and their mission. Show us that you’re genuinely passionate about improving literacy levels in prisons. We love candidates who align with our values!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past where you’ve tackled challenges, especially in tough environments. We want to see how you handle real-life situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Shannon Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Facilitator - HMP Rochester/Cookham Wood & HMP Elmley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about addressing literacy issues in prison settings and how your experiences align with our mission.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Prison Facilitator. Highlight any relevant experience you have in prison environments or working with vulnerable groups. We love seeing how your unique background can contribute to our goals!
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to share your personal journey or lived experiences, especially if they relate to the criminal justice system. We value authenticity and believe it can enrich our team and the people we serve.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shannon Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Prison Facilitator and the specific challenges faced in prison education. Familiarise yourself with Shannon Trust's mission and values, as well as their reading and numeracy programmes. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to improving literacy levels.
✨Showcase Your Experience
If you've worked in a prison setting before, be ready to share specific examples of how you've built relationships and tackled challenges. Highlight any relevant skills like resilience and problem-solving, as these are key qualities for this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-life situations in a prison environment. Think about how you would approach conflicts or motivate individuals who may be resistant to learning. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. This could be about the support systems in place for facilitators or how success is measured in the programmes. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.