Librarian

Sodexo Ltd; Ashford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facilities management company in the UK seeks a dedicated Librarian to support literacy and rehabilitation at HMP YOI Bronzefield. The ideal candidate will have a recognized library qualification and demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills. This role involves developing library services tailored to the needs of prisoners, ensuring access to vital information, and fostering a love of reading. Applicants should be creative problem solvers, ready to make a real difference in people's lives.

Benefits

Retirement plan

Gym discounts

24/7 employee assistance program

Qualifications

• Understanding of the challenges faced by prisoners in a custodial environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• High literacy and good IT proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Assess and maintain a profile of the prison population’s library needs.
• Develop and deliver a dynamic library service.
• Operate trolley services to distribute stock throughout the prison.

Skills

Communication skills

IT proficiency

Creative problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

Recognised library qualification

Job description

Job Title: Librarian

Function:

Learning, Skills & Employment

Location:

HMP YOI Bronzefield

Reporting to:

Education Manager (with additional reporting line to Head of Learning & Skills)

About the Role

Are you passionate about literacy, education, and making a real difference in people’s lives? We are seeking a dedicated Librarian to join our Learning, Skills & Employment team at HMP YOI Bronzefield.

In this role, you will be instrumental in providing a wide range of reading and reference materials tailored to meet the needs of offenders in custody. Your work will contribute directly to their resettlement and rehabilitation by supporting learning opportunities and encouraging reading for pleasure, purpose, and rehabilitation.

You will work closely with the Education Manager to implement and drive forward the prison-wide Reading Strategy, creating a welcoming and supportive library environment that inspires confidence and fosters a love of reading.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assess and maintain a profile of the prison population’s library, reading, and information needs.
2. Develop and deliver a dynamic library and information service aligned with those needs.
3. Operate trolley services to distribute and collect stock throughout the prison.
4. Support offenders engaged in learning, contributing to their individual learning plans and achievements.
5. Provide access to a broad range of information on topics such as skills acquisition, housing, benefits, and more.
6. Promote the use of public libraries upon prisoners’ release, supporting successful reintegration.
7. Manage stock, ensuring materials reflect the diversity and needs of the prison population, including minority groups and those with special requirements.
8. Ensure mandatory and reference publications are available and up to date.
9. Maintain accurate records of stock and equipment and oversee library orderlies’ training and performance.
10. Market and publicise the library service within the prison, fostering engagement and use.
11. Collaborate with other departments to support broader learning and skills initiatives.
12. Perform general administrative duties and occasionally work Saturdays.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Recognised library qualification (e.g., Level 2 Certificate in Libraries, Archives and Information Services).
• Understanding of the challenges faced by prisoners in a custodial environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• High literacy and good IT proficiency.
• Creative problem-solving skills and ability to use initiative.
• Ability to motivate and engage others effectively.

Desirable:

• Experience working in a library and familiarity with Library Management Systems.
• Experience in frontline customer service roles.

Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements

Additional Information

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.

We offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as a retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands, gym discounts, and a confidential 24/7 employee assistance program providing support for various life challenges.

For more details, please see attached information about our benefits.

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. Operating in 55 countries, we serve over 100 million consumers daily through our services, including On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards, and Personal & Home Services.

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values diversity and equal opportunities. We recognize our ongoing journey towards diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from underrepresented backgrounds.

We are a Disability Confident Leader employer, committed to changing attitudes towards disability and ensuring disabled people can fulfill their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria.