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- Tasks: Prepare and cook meals while mentoring prisoners in a secure kitchen environment.
- Company: Join HMPPS, a unique organisation focused on rehabilitation through vocational training.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and allowances for unsocial hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in rehabilitation while developing your catering skills in a structured setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in an industrial kitchen and relevant food safety certifications are essential.
- Other info: Security clearance is required; probation period of 6 months for new candidates.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application.
Location: Hollesley Bay
Salary: Competitive + 17% unsocial hours payment (where applicable)
Hours: 37 hours per week (potential for 39 with additional hours)
Security Clearance Required
Join Our Team as a Skilled Caterer!
Are you a skilled caterer looking for a meaningful role where you can make a difference? Do you want to use your expertise in a unique and rewarding environment? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Caterer to join our team at HMPPS. In this role, you will deliver high-quality catering services within a secure establishment, working alongside prisoners to support their rehabilitation through vocational training and daily kitchen duties.
What You'll Be Doing
- Preparing and cooking meals, ensuring efficient use of ingredients and catering for specialist diets (religious, medical, etc.).
- Supervising and mentoring prisoners working in the kitchen, ensuring compliance with food safety and security protocols.
- Managing food orders, stock rotation, and kitchen deliveries.
- Serving food and ensuring high standards of hygiene across the facility.
- Maintaining security checks, including tool control, food safety records, and prisoner training updates.
- Assisting in the selection process for kitchen work placements and providing on-the-job training to prisoners.
- Operating in-line with HMPPS security policies, including searches and reporting any security concerns.
What We're Looking For
- Experience in an industrial kitchen environment (prison, large-scale catering, healthcare, etc.).
- Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Catering (or willingness to achieve within an agreed timeframe).
- Essential Qualifications:
- Level 2 Certificate in Food Production within Hospitality & Catering (or equivalent)
- Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 (with refresher training required every 3 years)
Why Join Us
- Make a Difference - Play a key role in rehabilitation efforts by equipping prisoners with valuable life skills.
- Job Stability & Benefits - Competitive salary, pension scheme, and allowances for unsocial hours.
- Career Development - Opportunities for further training and career progression within HMPPS.
- Unique Work Environment - Be part of a highly skilled team in a secure and structured workplace.
Additional Information
- Security Clearance Required: All candidates must undergo identity and security checks before taking up the role.
- Probation Period: 6 months for external candidates (internal candidates subject to probation if not already served).
- Inclusivity Statement: All applicants must declare if they are a member of any group or organisation deemed racist by HMPPS.
How to Apply
Interested in this unique and rewarding opportunity? Call 01603615121 or send your CV.
Application Deadline: 01/04/25
Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.
Caterer HMPPS employer: Blue Arrow - Norwich
Contact Detail:
Blue Arrow - Norwich Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Caterer HMPPS
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges of working in a prison environment. Understanding the unique dynamics and security protocols can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in mentoring or training others, especially in a kitchen setting. This role involves supervising prisoners, so showcasing your leadership skills will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 3
Research HMPPS and their rehabilitation efforts. Being knowledgeable about their mission and how your role as a caterer contributes to it can demonstrate your commitment and passion for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to food safety and hygiene regulations during the interview. Given the nature of the job, showing that you prioritise these aspects will be essential.
We think you need these skills to ace Caterer HMPPS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Caterer position at HMPPS. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experience.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in industrial kitchens or large-scale catering environments. Mention any specific skills related to food safety, hygiene regulations, and working with diverse teams.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to include your vocational qualifications, such as the Level 2 Certificate in Food Production and Food Hygiene Certificate. If you are willing to achieve the Level 3 qualification, mention this as well.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for making a difference in a rehabilitation setting. Discuss how your skills can contribute to the team's success and the prisoners' development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow - Norwich
✨Know Your Catering Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of food safety, hygiene regulations, and HACCP principles. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in a kitchen environment, especially in a secure setting.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in supervising and mentoring others, particularly in a high-pressure environment. Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated a diverse team or trained individuals in catering roles.
✨Understand the Unique Environment
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and responsibilities of working in a prison kitchen. Demonstrating an understanding of security protocols and the rehabilitation aspect of the role will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life kitchen scenarios. Think about how you would handle issues like managing food orders under pressure or ensuring compliance with safety protocols while training prisoners.
