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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 competitive pay, pension schemes, and allowances for unsocial hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by equipping prisoners with valuable life skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in industrial kitchens and relevant food safety qualifications 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.
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).
- Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene regulations, and HACCP principles.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills - able to support, train, and motivate a diverse team.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while ensuring quality service.
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 and responsibilities of working in a prison kitchen. Understanding the unique environment will help you demonstrate your readiness to handle the role effectively during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing food safety and hygiene standards, as this is crucial in a secure establishment. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've maintained these standards in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing to discuss how you've mentored or trained others in a kitchen setting. This will be key in demonstrating your ability to support and motivate prisoners in their vocational training.
✨Tip Number 4
Research HMPPS and its rehabilitation efforts to express your genuine interest in making a difference. Being able to articulate why you want to work in this environment can set you apart from other candidates.
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. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in industrial kitchens and any qualifications you possess.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in catering, especially in environments similar to prisons or large-scale catering. Mention specific skills such as food safety knowledge, leadership abilities, and any vocational qualifications you hold.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are passionate about this role. Discuss how your skills can contribute to the rehabilitation efforts and the unique environment of HMPPS. Make sure to address your ability to work under pressure and mentor others.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your CV is well-structured and that your cover letter is concise and impactful. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow - Norwich
✨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 a meaningful purpose.
✨Demonstrate Food Safety Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of food safety regulations and HACCP principles. You might be asked specific questions about how you ensure hygiene and safety in the kitchen, so brush up on these topics before the interview.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising and mentoring prisoners, it's crucial to showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or trained others in a previous role, particularly in a high-pressure environment.
✨Understand the Unique Environment
Familiarise yourself with the challenges and responsibilities of working in a secure establishment like HMPPS. Show that you understand the importance of security protocols and how they relate to your role as a caterer, which will demonstrate your readiness for the position.
