At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the prison library and promote a culture of reading and learning.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a leader in improving quality of life services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, gym access, and 20+ additional perks.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and diverse backgrounds encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in prisoners' lives through education and personal development.
- Qualifications: Library qualification and strong communication skills required.
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!
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way.
In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Librarian in Peterborough
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We think you need these skills to ace Librarian in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Sodexo, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of Sodexo and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Sodexo might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
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Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Sodexo.
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Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
