At a Glance
- 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, and paid volunteering days.
- Other info: Fixed term role with potential for permanence and a supportive work 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.
Shannon Trust Reading Strategy Coordinator – HMP Whatton
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 30th April 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 up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.
The biggest benefit however 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.
Interviews are planned for 5th August 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Reading Strategy Coordinator - HMP Whatton employer: South West Community Chaplaincy
South West Community Chaplaincy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. As a Housekeeping Assistant at Galanos House, you will enjoy flexible hours, generous holiday allowances, and a fulfilling role that directly contributes to the quality of life for residents in Southam, Warwickshire.
Contact Details:
South West Community Chaplaincy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reading Strategy Coordinator - HMP Whatton
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by South West Community Chaplaincy.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like South West Community Chaplaincy.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at South West Community Chaplaincy.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at South West Community Chaplaincy. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Reading Strategy Coordinator - HMP Whatton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of South West Community Chaplaincy. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Reading Strategy Coordinator - HMP Whatton, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Community Chaplaincy
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of South West Community Chaplaincy. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
