Job Description

GLL is currently recruiting a Senior Library Assistant to join the team at HMP Wandsworth. As a Senior Library Assistant you will be working in 2 on site busy prisoner libraries, giving access to a wide variety of collections and resources including books, computers and reference collections.


HMP Wandsworth is a Category B men's prison in the London Borough of Wandsworth, South West London, England. It is operated by His Majesty's Prison Service and is one of the largest prisons in the UK. The prison houses 1600 prisoners


Prisoners use our libraries for a number of reasons. We have a vast selection of legal books and papers that our prisoners use to help them understand their sentences as well as the standard books that you'd find in a public library. We have a heavy focus on education as many of the prisoners have literacy problems or just want to learn something new such as a second language, but whatever the reason, the books are a welcome diversion from prison life. As Senior Library Assistant, you will have to do the usual tasks associated with the role, such as providing an information service to our users, ordering books and arranging engaging events and activities, but due to the unique location of the library, there is far more to this role than expected. As we place an emphasis on education, we're inspected and regulated by Ofsted, so there will be a lot of administration involved to help us to review and maintain our standards.


Although challenging, this is a highly-rewarding role where you'll get to see the prisoners change and grow from the services and support that you'd provide alongside other departments such as Education and Resettlement. This isn't a role for the timid, as you'll need to maintain control and gravitas at all times as well as being vigilant. A can-do attitude is a must, as is common sense, as you'll do everything from assessing the suitability of the books that the prisoners request, to ensuring that all doors are locked behind you whenever you move about the building as well as some heavy lifting. If you are looking to make a difference, this is the role for you.

What you need:

Excellent Customer Service Skills

Evidence of making a difference to customers

Confident IT skills and knowledge

Excellent numeracy, literacy and communications skills

Administration skills

Experience working within libraries. (Desirable not essential)

Experience of using Library Management systems, would be useful (Desirable not essential)

Passion and personality

Evidence of being organised and efficient

Customer Service Qualification (desirable not essential)

Be a great team player

What you'll do:

Work as part of the team to ensure the smooth operation of the libraries

Provide welcoming and genuine goodbye to all prisoners, providing guidance and support on how to get the optimum results from their visit by truly engaging with prisoners to understand the reason behind their visit

Devise and Create imaginative events

Follow Safeguarding guarding of children and Vulnerable adults policy and procedures

Follow all Normal & Emergency Operating Procedures as well as adhering to relevant polices and manuals

Interact with prisoners through conversations and supporting their needs

Support prisoners with all queries available at the library

Fully participate in and engage in the any training provided.

As a leader within the leisure industry we can also offer scope to progress your career, and job variety like nowhere else.

In return, you will get:

36 hours a week, full time permanent role 26,993.39 per annum (based on 36 hours a weeks) Industry leading rates of pay banding dependant on relevant qualifications Discounted membership at our leisure centres Discounts across thousands of retailers (GLL Extras) A fantastic pension scheme 25% off Red Letter Days 25% off Buy A Gift 20% off GLL spa experience treatments and associated products. 20% off Tea and Tonic products Ride to work scheme Free eye tests and discounted glasses The opportunity to join the GLL Society and have a say in how we are run plus associated social events Exclusive discounts on our villas in Portugal Exclusive discounts on our Ski chalets in Bulgaria Health assurance Career pathways, professional development are just the start. To ensure you stay at the top of your game, we provide training with practical and theory elements together

About GLL:

As the UK's largest leisure operator and charitable social enterprise, we offer a range of careers for everyone in our local communities. We manage over 400 facilities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including public sport and leisure centres, elite sporting venues, libraries and children's centres.





Our people are from the communities we serve and help us make real changes in their local area.





One of our core values is 'More than a Job', because working with us opens up a wide range of possibilities and opportunities for you, starting with how you work with us. To make sure we're having a positive impact on our people, we also offer some flexible and part-time working options so you can make sure your new job works for you. Subject to vacancies, whether you are after a contractual commitment and a regular work schedule or the freedom of flexible hours, you may be able to choose an arrangement that works best for you and play your part in improving the health and wellbeing of your community.





So whether your ambitions lie in libraries, sport and leisure, events & catering, health & beauty, corporate support or working with children, you'll be able to find your ideal new job at GLL.


Passionate about seeing our communities thrive, we invest back into our facilities, projects and people and are Investors in People Silver Award employer.


However you choose to work with us, you can be sure that you will be a valued member of our team, working with great colleagues, and making a real difference to people's lives.





We are an inclusive employer. We seek and welcome diversity in our teams.