Description
This role has a starting salary of £27,093 per annum, based on a 30 hour working week.
We are excited to be recruiting for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Prison Librarian to manage our library at HMP Send Library. Surrey Libraries are responsible for four prison libraries in Surrey – HMP Coldingley, HMP Downview, HMP High Down and HMP Send. You will become part of this team sharing advice and ideas to ensure a comprehensive library service. Within Send Library you will manage four Prisoner Orderlies.
Our aim within prison libraries is to provide an accessible service with a focus on expanding knowledge, finding pleasure in learning, developing crucial literacy skills, and enabling effective rehabilitation. It also promotes reading as a source of pleasure and provides prisoners with opportunities for wider cultural engagement. Equipping prisoners with reading skills allows them to embark on a path towards reintegration into society.
Rewards and Benefits
1. 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
2. Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
3. An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
4. Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
5. Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
6. A generous local government salary related pension
7. Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
8. 2 paid volunteering days per year
9. Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Role
As the Prison Librarian, you will run lively events and activities programmes, including book groups, writing groups, reading initiatives such as Reading Ahead and author events. As well as this, you will promote family reading by encouraging prisoners to record a story to send home, arranging workshops and involvement in family days.
You will be expected to work on your own using initiative, taking full responsibility for the library, including supervising the Prisoner Orderlies. In addition, you will work closely with the Education Department and partner agencies to provide an integrated Library service.
You will be expected to adhere to all prison security guidance and attend training as necessary. The role also includes heavy lifting and often requires being on your feet for long periods of time.
This is a challenging but highly rewarding role and enthusiasm for reading and learning is essential. Working independently, you will play a key role in encouraging prisoners to use the library effectively for educational, recreational, and legal purposes.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
10. Excellent oral and written communication skills
11. Ability to remain calm under pressure in a sometimes-volatile environment
12. Experience of supervising and mentoring
13. Ability to work using your own initiative as well as managing a team
14. A passion for reading and learning
15. Experience of using IT systems and data collection
Application Questions
To apply, alongside your CV, you will be asked to answer the following questions:
16. What are your motivations for applying to be a Prison Librarian at Surrey County Council?
17. How would you approach creating a diverse and inclusive library collection that reflects the needs of the prison population?
18. How do you stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude in a demanding work environment?
19. What personal qualities do you think are essential for a Prison Librarian, and how do you embody these qualities?
Please note an enhanced vetting process will be required for this role and will be undertaken by the Prison Service before the successful candidate can start and takes around eight weeks.
Rota
Week 1hoursWeek 2hoursMonday12:00-19:006off0Tuesday09:30-17:006.512:00-19:006Wednesday12:00-19:00609:30-17:006.5Thursday09:30-17:006.509:30-17:006.5Friday09:00-14:00509:00-14:005Saturdayoff010:00-17:006One hour for break except on Fridays
This rota is subject to temporary or long-term revision to meet the needs of the library service.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 27/07/2025 with interview dates to be confirmed.
We look forward to receiving your application,