Overview
How You'll Make a Difference
Working at HMP Leyhill, Tortworth, you will manage a well-stocked library and support literacy, learning and rehabilitation within the prison community.
What You Will Be Doing
* You will be responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the library, leading a small team of part-time Prison Library Assistants and prison library orderlies. Together, you will organise, maintain, develop and promote the library service provided for prisoners.
* Coordinate the service development and promote library engagement initiatives, organising reading and literacy programmes tailored to the prison community and liaising with colleagues in the prison.
* Select and purchase library materials to meet the needs of prisoners and manage a small stock budget.
* Monitor the use of the service by collecting statistics and regularly report to the Library Services Manager and prison colleagues.
* Undertake the physical aspects of the job including shelving and counter work, lifting and carrying books and other materials and unpacking and packing crates from deliveries.
What We Need From You
* Hold or be working towards a relevant library and information qualification, such as MSc Library and Information Management or equivalent professional experience in a similar area.
* Experience working in a library environment, delivering a high-quality, customer-focused service.
* Ability to manage staff, including supervision, training, recruitment and development of a team.
* Self-motivated with the ability to use initiative, manage and prioritise workload, good organisational skills, and excellent IT and digital skills.
* Good interpersonal skills including communication, influencing and negotiating to communicate with a wide range of people to solve issues and identify solutions.
* Although not essential, you may have experience of working in a prison, public or education library.
What You Need To Know
* Your salary is pro-rata to hours worked.
* You will be working in a Category D open prison and will need to comply with security procedures and undertake appropriate training. HMPPS vetting and clearances will be required for this post. This will be organised by the prison.
* Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required.
Interviews
Interviews will be held on Friday 26th September 2025.
How a Career At South Gloucestershire Council Is Different
* As part of our benefits package, you will receive generous annual leave (pro rata), wellbeing support and access to staff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities.
* We recognise that our diverse team of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on merit and ability.
* We value our staff as individuals, investing in their careers and offering comprehensive training and development opportunities.
* We invest in technology to help staff do their jobs effectively and celebrate innovation.
* Office-based, you’ll be part of a team. If you need specialist expertise or advice, it’s available.
* We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and ensure staff have the right skills and support to recognise and respond to potential abuse or neglect.
Our teams at South Gloucestershire Council are making a real difference to the lives of people who live, work and learn here. We’re building and shaping communities, planning for the future, and providing essential services to keep communities safe and well maintained. We’re making a difference—be part of it!
#J-18808-Ljbffr