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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 by equipping prisoners with valuable life skills in a structured workplace.
- Qualifications: Experience in industrial kitchens and relevant food safety certifications are essential.
- Other info: Security clearance is required; inclusivity is a priority for all applicants.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
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 Ltd
Contact Detail:
Blue Arrow Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Caterer HMPPS
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and requirements of working in a prison kitchen. Understanding the unique environment will help you demonstrate your readiness to adapt and thrive in this role during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in large-scale catering or similar environments. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can contribute to the rehabilitation of prisoners through cooking and teamwork.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership abilities by preparing examples of how you've successfully trained or mentored others in the past. This will be crucial in demonstrating your capability to supervise and motivate a diverse team.
✨Tip Number 4
Research HMPPS and their values, particularly around rehabilitation and security. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely invested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Caterer HMPPS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in industrial kitchens, especially in environments like prisons or large-scale catering. Emphasise any vocational qualifications and food safety certifications you possess.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for catering and your understanding of the unique environment at HMPPS. Mention how your skills can contribute to the rehabilitation of prisoners through vocational training.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on your leadership and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully trained or mentored others in a kitchen setting, as this is crucial for the role.
Prepare for Security Clearance: Be ready to provide necessary documentation for security checks. Familiarise yourself with the security protocols of HMPPS, as this will demonstrate your understanding of the importance of safety in the workplace.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Catering
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the catering industry and how it can positively impact the lives of others, especially in a rehabilitation setting. Share any personal experiences that highlight your commitment to using your skills for meaningful work.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Food Safety
Be prepared to discuss food safety regulations and HACCP principles in detail. Highlight any relevant certifications you hold and provide examples of how you've implemented these practices in previous roles to ensure high standards in food preparation.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Mentoring Skills
Since the role involves supervising and mentoring prisoners, be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team or trained others in a kitchen environment. Discuss your approach to motivating diverse individuals and fostering a positive learning atmosphere.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle high-pressure situations, such as managing food orders during busy periods or addressing security concerns. Think of scenarios from your past experience where you demonstrated problem-solving skills and maintained quality service under stress.
