Librarian
The Role
We 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.
We 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, you'll ensure the smooth and efficient running of our library.
Purpose of the Role
As 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.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and support a small team of Library Assistants and Peer Support Practitioners, ensuring a collaborative and productive environment.
  
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the library, including circulation, cataloging, and the maintenance of the library collection, ensuring efficient service.
  
• Curate a diverse range of reading materials, including books, audiobooks, newspapers, and legal texts, to meet the educational and recreational needs of the prison population.
  
• Provide guidance and support to prisoners, assisting them with selecting materials, promoting literacy, and helping them access resources for personal development and education.
  
• Organise and run reading groups, book clubs, and events to engage prisoners and develop their soft skills for resettlement.
  
• Incorporate 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.
  
• Work closely with the Education Department and Inclusion Manager to ensure the library is accessible and welcoming to all.
  
• Promote digital literacy and assist prisoners in accessing the Virtual Campus and research materials for their education and personal interests.
  
• Lead on the preparation of annual reports, manage the library budget, and ensure compliance with prison regulations and security protocols.
  Key Requirements
  
• A degree in Library Science, Information Science, or a related field.
  
• Experience working as a librarian, ideally within a prison or public library setting.
  
• Strong knowledge of library management practices, cataloging systems, and digital resources.
  
• The ability to lead, inspire, and develop a small team, fostering a positive and achievement-focused environment.
  
• A commitment to promoting literacy and personal development, with a creative and flexible approach to engaging learners.
  Why Join Us?
  As 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.
  For more information about the role and the person specification, please review the job description or contact our recruitment team. If you’re ready to make a difference, apply today via the ‘apply now’ button.
  This role is to start in March 2025 – please ensure you state your current notice period in your application.
  Who We Are
  Here at People Plus, we make a positive difference to people’s lives – every single day.
  As part of The Staffline Group, we use our experience to support hundreds of thousands of people each year.
  Our 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.
  To put it simply, we:
  
• Support people to find and keep jobs
  
• Help people to set up their own businesses
  
• Deliver skills training to further people’s careers
  
• Work with employers to build a skilled and happy workforce
  
• Rehabilitate people with convictions
  
• Tackle the root causes of offending
  
• Help people to live independently
  
• Support carers
  Benefits
  
• 25 days annual leave
  
• Paid Volunteering day each year
  
• Enchance Maternity Scheme
  
• Life Assurance
  
• Pension Scheme
  
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
  
• Plus more!
  We 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.
  Librarian