Job Description
The Role\n\nWe are thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity to join the team at HMP Millsike, a brand-new prison estate near York. As we open in Spring 2025, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our library services from day one. This is a unique chance to help create a sanctuary of learning, a hub for personal growth, and a welcoming space for reading and self-directed study.\n\nWe are looking for a passionate and dedicated Prison Librarian to oversee and manage our library services.
You will be responsible for promoting educational programmes, fostering a love of reading, and supporting the personal development of prisoners. Managing a team of two Library Assistants and overseeing our satellite library service in prison industries, youll ensure the smooth and efficient running of our library.\n\nPurpose of the Role\nAs the Prison Librarian, you will create an environment that inspires learning and supports personal development. Restorative Practices will be integral to this role, helping prisoners take accountability for their actions and fostering a positive environment for growth.
You will manage the daily operations of the library, curate a diverse collection of books and resources, and provide guidance to prisoners as they engage with library services. This role is crucial in helping to support rehabilitation and reduce re-offending through education and literacy.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nLead, mentor, and support a small team of Library Assistants and Peer Support Practitioners, ensuring a collaborative and productive environment.\nOversee the day-to-day operations of the library, including circulation, cataloging, and the maintenance of the library collection, ensuring efficient service.\nCurate a diverse range of reading materials, including books, audiobooks, newspapers, and legal texts, to meet the educational and recreational needs of the prison population.\nProvide guidance and support to prisoners, assisting them with selecting materials, promoting literacy, and helping them access resources for personal development and education.\nOrganise and run reading groups, book clubs, and events to engage prisoners and develop their soft skills for resettlement.\nIncorporate Restorative Practices into your work, fostering an environment where prisoners are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and contribute positively to the prison community.\nWork closely with the Education Department and Inclusion Manager to ensure the library is accessible and welcoming to all.\nPromote digital literacy and assist prisoners in accessing the Virtual Campus and research materials for their education and personal interests.\nLead on the preparation of annual reports, manage the library budget, and ensure compliance with prison regulations and security protocols.\nKey Requirements\n\nA degree in Library Science, Information Science, or a related field.\nExperience working as a librarian, ideally within a prison or public library setting.\nStrong knowledge of library management practices, cataloging systems, and digital resources.\nThe ability to lead, inspire, and develop a small team, fostering a positive and achievement-focused environment.\nA commitment to promoting literacy and personal development, with a creative and flexible approach to engaging learners.\nWhy Join Us?\nAs the Librarian at HMP Millsike, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of prisoners, helping them develop skills that can aid in their rehabilitation and reduce the likelihood of re-offending. Restorative Practices will be central to your work, creating a space where prisoners can take accountability for their actions, engage in meaningful reflection, and grow both personally and academically.
This is a challenging yet deeply rewarding role for someone who is passionate about education and personal development.\n\nFor more information about the role and the person specification, please review the job description or contact our recruitment team at careers@peopleplus.co.uk. If you’re ready to make a difference, apply today via the ‘apply now’ button.\n\nThis role is to start in March 2025 – please ensure you state your current notice period in your application.\n\nWho We Are\n\nHere at People Plus, we make a positive difference to people’s lives – every single day. \n\nAs part of The Staffline Group, we use our experience to support hundreds of thousands of people each year.
\n\nOur committed teams work across Britain to deliver a range of public services, including employment support, skills training, independent living, prison education, starting a business, and support to help employers grow. \n\nTo put it simply, we: \n\nSupport people to find and keep jobs \nHelp people to set up their own businesses \nDeliver skills training to further people’s careers \nWork with employers to build a skilled and happy workforce \nRehabilitate people with convictions \nTackle the root causes of offending \nHelp people to live independently \nSupport carers \nWe are extremely proud to be a Silver accredited Investors in People organisation. This means that at PeoplePlus, the right principles are in place but more than that, it means our people and leaders are making active efforts to make sure that there’s real consistency and everyone in the organisation can feel the effects.