At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide library services to support prisoners' learning and rehabilitation.
- Company: Join the largest female prison in the UK, focused on positive change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, gym access, and healthcare benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace celebrating diversity and offering career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through reading and education.
- Qualifications: Library qualification and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 39305 - 39305 £ per year.
Are you passionate about reading, learning, and making a positive difference in people’s lives? We are looking for a Librarian to join the Education team at HMP & YOI Bronzefield. In this rewarding role, you will provide prisoners with access to reading, learning, and information services that support rehabilitation, education, and resettlement. You will help create a welcoming and inclusive library environment, promote a culture of reading across the prison, and support individuals in developing confidence, skills, and lifelong learning habits.
Working closely with the Education Manager and wider Learning & Skills team, you will play a key role in delivering the prison’s Reading Strategy and ensuring the library service meets the diverse needs of the prison population. HMP Bronzefield is a closed local prison and is the largest female prison in the UK and Europe. We focus on delivering high-quality, needs-led services that support women to make positive and lasting changes. Our programmes promote rehabilitation and well-being, and we care for around 14.5% of the national female prison population, including mothers with babies, young offenders, women on a range of sentence lengths, foreign nationals and those on remand.
Main Responsibilities:
- Deliver an effective library and information service to prisoners across the establishment.
- Promote reading, learning, and rehabilitation through engaging library activities and initiatives.
- Maintain library stock, records, and resources to ensure materials remain organised and accessible.
- Support prisoners with learning opportunities, information requests, and access to educational resources.
- Provide trolley library services across different areas of the prison.
- Work collaboratively with education staff and other prison departments to support prisoner development and resettlement.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Holds a recognised library qualification (Level 2 Certificate in Libraries, Archives and Information Services or equivalent).
- Has strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage confidently with a diverse population.
- Demonstrates good IT skills and a high standard of literacy.
- Is proactive, organised, and able to use initiative to improve services.
- Has the ability to motivate others and solve problems effectively.
- Previous experience within a library environment or customer-facing role would be advantageous.
Enhanced Level 1 + Enhanced DBS
£35,576.06 + LW £3,729.24 pro rata (total of £39,305.30) 37.5 hours per week Monday - Friday
Benefits:
- Free meals (where applicable) and on-site parking.
- Access to on-site gym and subsidised gym membership.
- BUPA healthcare scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Access to a wide range of additional Sodexo benefits.
We’re all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.
Librarian in Ashford employer: Sodexo Group
At HMP & YOI Bronzefield, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. As a Librarian, you will not only have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of prisoners through education and rehabilitation but also benefit from a range of perks including free meals, access to an on-site gym, and a comprehensive healthcare scheme. We are committed to employee growth and diversity, ensuring that all staff feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission of positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Librarian in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the library and education sectors, especially those who work in similar environments. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for reading and learning during interviews. Share personal stories about how books have impacted your life or how you've helped others discover the joy of reading. It’s all about making that connection!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions by thinking about how you would handle various scenarios in a prison library setting. This shows you’re ready to tackle the unique challenges of the role head-on.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Librarian in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for reading and learning right from the start! In your application, share why you’re passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives, especially in a prison setting.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We want to know how your background aligns with our mission at HMP Bronzefield and how you can contribute to our Reading Strategy.
Highlight Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your communication and interpersonal skills! Since you’ll be engaging with a diverse population, it’s important to demonstrate how you can connect with others and support their learning journeys.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Group
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research HMP & YOI Bronzefield and its mission. Understanding the unique environment of a prison library and the diverse needs of the population will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your library qualifications and any relevant experience. Highlight your communication skills and how you've engaged with diverse groups in the past. Think of specific examples where you've motivated others or solved problems effectively in a library or customer-facing role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-life situations in a prison library setting. Prepare scenarios where you had to promote reading or learning, manage library resources, or support individuals in their educational journeys. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the library's initiatives or the Reading Strategy. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and goals. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your proactive nature!
