We’re recruiting: Musician in Residence at HMP Five Wells

We are looking for a talented musician for a residency at HMP Five Wells.

Role Title:  Musician in Residence
Location of residency: HMP Five Wells, Wellingborough, NN8 2NX
Contract: 12-month freelance contract, with possibility of extension; session timings will be negotiated between all parties, circa 1 day a week
Rate of pay: £200 per day, inclusive of additional administration
Start Date: February 2024, if official prison clearance has been approved

The Irene Taylor Trust’s (ITT) mission is to inspire positive change in individuals in and on the fringes of the Criminal Justice System through creating original music. Since 1995, through our highly respected Music in Prisons programme, our focus on composition and performance has offered disengaged individuals a vehicle for self-expression which has increased skills, confidence, motivation and aspiration, and reduced offending behaviour. Over the past 11 years ITT has extended its work to include ‘through-the-gate’ support to former prisoners, and projects with young people experiencing challenging circumstances in the community.

In addition to our creative music programmes, ITT supports several prison Musicians in Residence around the country. Each residency is unique as we work closely with each musician and their respective prisons to ensure the programme content is innovative, relevant and responsive. We are currently working with HMP Five Wells to engage a versatile, freelance musician who has experience of teaching guitar, keyboard and song writing to work with prisoners. It may also be advantageous to have experience of creating music on computers.

Working in prison is an amazing experience and you will take as much from it as you give. It requires a different approach to more ‘conventional’ teaching; you will need to be able to instantaneously adapt to the environment, the people and the style of music and cater for the vastly different musical experiences, abilities and expectations of the individuals with whom you will be working.

Employment is subject to two satisfactory employment references (one of which should be from your most recent employer) and confirmation of your eligibility to work in the UK. As the position involves contact with vulnerable individuals, you will also be subject to prison security clearance and/or an enhanced DBS disclosure. This can take up to 8 weeks to complete.

Read the full job description and person spec here: MiR Job Description HMP Five Wells

To apply: Please send a CV outlining relevant experience, the instruments you play and a short covering letter explaining why you would be appropriate for the role. Please include 2 links to your work (your music and/or you in action via YouTube/Soundcloud) and send to cameron@irenetaylortrust.com

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend a formal interview, following which they will run a short creative session. Instruments and prisoner participants will be provided.

Closing date for applications: 20^th November 10am
Interviews: 29th November