Librarian in Peterborough

Librarian

We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised Librarian to join our Learning, Skills & Employment team at HMP Peterborough. In this rewarding role, you will manage the prison library, promote a culture of reading, and provide prisoners with access to educational resources that support learning, rehabilitation, and successful resettlement. Working closely with the Education team, you will help deliver the prison's Reading Strategy while creating a welcoming and inclusive library environment that encourages personal development and lifelong learning.

HMP Peterborough is the UK’s first purpose‑built prison to house both men and women on the same site. With high levels of physical security, it provides needs‑led personal development services tailored to both populations. As a resettlement‑focused establishment, it offers a wide range of educational, vocational and behavioural programmes, alongside workshops, accredited training and employment opportunities that build practical skills for release. The site also includes dedicated healthcare, family services and faith facilities to support overall well‑being.

Sodexo has a culture built on three hallmarks: Be Positive, Be Courageous and Be the Difference. We encourage people to be positive by creating hope and respect in every interaction, to be courageous by safely challenging behaviours that don’t support a positive environment, and to be the difference by taking actions that improve outcomes for those we support.

By living these hallmarks each day, you help build routines, rituals and behaviours that show what good looks like. You recognise and encourage the right actions, and you lead with intention - knowing every moment of connection counts.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater.

You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the prison library, ensuring resources are well organised, accessible, and meet the needs of the prison population.
• Promote reading, learning, and information services that support education, rehabilitation, and resettlement.
• Deliver library services across the prison, including book trolley services and supporting prisoners with learning and information requests.
• Develop and maintain library stock, ensuring resources meet the diverse needs of prisoners, including those with additional learning or accessibility requirements.
• Train and supervise prisoner library orderlies while maintaining accurate library records and administrative systems.
• Work collaboratively with education staff and other departments to support the prison-wide Reading Strategy and encourage greater engagement with library services.

The Ideal Candidate

• Holds a recognised Library qualification (Level 2 Certificate in Libraries, Archives and Information Services or equivalent).
• Has excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Is confident using IT systems and maintaining accurate records.
• Can motivate others and promote reading and learning in a positive and engaging way.
• Has strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Experience working within a library, using a Library Management System, or within a custodial or education environment is desirable.
• Enhanced Level 2 + Enhanced DBS (processed via site VCP)

Package Description

£31,879.52 per annum

Monday - Friday

37.5 hours per week

Free meals (if applicable) and parking. Access to our on-site gym and subsidised gym membership. BUPA healthcare scheme. Life assurance. Many more!

About the Company

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

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.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!