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- Tasks: Join our catering team to prepare nutritious meals in a professional kitchen.
- Company: Be part of HM Prison Rochester, making a difference in lives through food.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Help offenders gain skills while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 certificate in food production and food hygiene required.
- Other info: Part-time and job share arrangements available; earn while you learn with apprenticeship opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 27400 - 28400 £ per year.
This position is based at HM PRISON ROCHESTER ROCHESTER, ME1 3QS
Job Summary
Please refer to Job Description
Job Description
As part of the prison’s catering team, you’ll be working in a professional industrial kitchen environment, with a good salary, pension and Civil Service benefits including apprenticeship opportunities ‘earn while you learn’. Unlike traditional restaurant jobs, you won’t have to work late into the evening.
You’ll oversee the work of offenders to prepare and cook quality, nutritional meals for the entire prison. Plus, you’ll play your part in helping them turn their lives around – supporting them to learn new skills and work towards gaining qualifications to increase their chances of employment and reduce their likelihood of reoffending when they leave prison.
Hours and salary
You will work a 37-hour week and shift patterns are in place which include hours outside of 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays. You will receive a 20% unsocial hours payment in addition to your basic pay, subject to working these hours.
All roles can be open to part-time and job share arrangements subject to the business need/operational requirement. However, you will still be required to undertake the full range of shifts. As a new recruit, you will start on the minimum salary.
Band 3 salary minimum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance – £32,448
Band 3 salary maximum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance – £34,166
Qualifications And Experience
- Level 2 certificate in food production within hospitality and catering or equivalent
- Food hygiene certificate at Level 2
In Addition, You Must Be:
- Familiar with all current health, safety and hygiene related regulations for working in a kitchen
- Able to demonstrate competency within an industrial kitchen environment
- Able to speak with confidence in English
Please note refresher training in food safety (HACCP) should be completed at three year intervals.
Tips for applying
You will need to provide an anonymised CV and answer questions which outline your past experience.
You will also need to answer specific ‘behavioural’ questions. We will ask you how you would react in your job.
As part of the prison’s catering team, you’ll be working in a professional industrial kitchen environment, with a good salary, pension and Civil Service benefits including apprenticeship opportunities ‘earn while you learn’. Unlike traditional restaurant jobs, you won’t have to work late into the evening.
You’ll oversee the work of offenders to prepare and cook quality, nutritional meals for the entire prison. Plus, you’ll play your part in helping them turn their lives around – supporting them to learn new skills and work towards gaining qualifications to increase their chances of employment and reduce their likelihood of reoffending when they leave prison.
Hours and salary
You will work a 37-hour week and shift patterns are in place which include hours outside of 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays. You will receive a 20% unsocial hours payment in addition to your basic pay, subject to working these hours.
All roles can be open to part-time and job share arrangements subject to the business need/operational requirement. However, you will still be required to undertake the full range of shifts. As a new recruit, you will start on the minimum salary.
Band 3 salary minimum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance – £32,448
Band 3 salary maximum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance – £34,166
In Addition, You Must Be:
- Familiar with all current health, safety and hygiene related regulations for working in a kitchen
- Able to demonstrate competency within an industrial kitchen environment
- Able to speak with confidence in English
Please note refresher training in food safety (HACCP) should be completed at three year intervals.
Tips for applying
You will need to provide an anonymised CV and answer questions which outline your past experience.
You will also need to answer specific ‘behavioural’ questions. We will ask you how you would react in your job.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential qualifications:
- Level 2 certificate in Food Production within Hospitality and Catering or equivalent
- Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2
- Vocational Qualification at Level 3 or be willing to work towards gaining this qualification within an agreed timescale.
*Please upload all qualifications on one file.*
Behaviours
We\’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
- Developing Self and Others
Technical skills
We\’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- work experience 1.
- work experience 2.
Alongside your salary of £32,448, HM Prison & Probation Service contributes £9,400 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Access to learning and development
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- Annual Leave
- Public Holidays
- Season Ticket Advance
For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.
Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
- Name : SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team
- Email : moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
- Telephone : 0345 241 5358
Recruitment team
- Email : moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Further information
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. I you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally (outside of the Civil Service) and you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitment/complaints
https://jobs.justice.gov.uk/careers/JobDetail/7042?entityId=7042 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Rochester (Ref: 7042) employer: HM Prison and Probation Service
Contact Detail:
HM Prison and Probation Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Rochester (Ref: 7042)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific health, safety, and hygiene regulations relevant to working in a prison kitchen. This knowledge will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the behavioural questions by reflecting on past experiences where you've had to manage a team or support others in learning new skills. Think of specific examples that showcase your ability to communicate effectively and influence positive outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the role of catering within the prison system and how it contributes to rehabilitation. Being able to discuss this during your interview will show your understanding of the job's impact beyond just cooking.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former prison catering staff if possible. They can provide insights into the work environment and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Rochester (Ref: 7042)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is anonymised and tailored specifically for the caterer position at HMP Rochester. Highlight relevant experience in food production, catering, and any qualifications such as your Level 2 certificate in food production.
Answer Behavioural Questions Thoughtfully: Prepare for the specific behavioural questions that will be asked during the application process. Think about past experiences where you demonstrated skills like managing a quality service or working together with others, and be ready to articulate these clearly.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you upload all necessary qualifications in one file, including your Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 and any vocational qualifications. This will demonstrate your preparedness for the role and compliance with health and safety regulations.
Review and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to review and edit your documents. Check for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a caterer in a prison environment. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with overseeing offenders in the kitchen and preparing nutritional meals.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since the interview will include behavioural questions, think about past experiences where you've demonstrated key behaviours like managing a quality service or working together with others. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Showcase Your Qualifications
Be ready to discuss your Level 2 certificate in food production and food hygiene. Highlight any relevant experience in an industrial kitchen and how it has prepared you for this role, especially in terms of health and safety regulations.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As you'll be working with offenders, strong communication skills are essential. Practice speaking clearly and confidently about your experiences, and be prepared to explain how you would effectively communicate instructions and support the offenders in their learning.
