At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare meals, supervise kitchen staff, and ensure food safety in a secure 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 prisoners' lives while developing your catering skills.
- 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 in Ipswich employer: Blue Arrow - Norwich
Contact Detail:
Blue Arrow - Norwich Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Caterer HMPPS in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of working in a prison environment. Understanding the unique challenges and 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 is crucial.
✨Tip Number 3
Research HMPPS and their rehabilitation efforts. Being knowledgeable about their mission can help you demonstrate your passion for making a difference during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you handle high-pressure situations in a kitchen. Providing examples of your ability to maintain quality service under stress will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Caterer HMPPS in Ipswich
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 experience with diverse teams.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to list 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 commitment in your application.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are passionate about the role and how you can contribute to the rehabilitation efforts through your catering skills. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your suitability for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow - Norwich
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Caterer in a prison environment. Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and requirements, such as food safety regulations and working with a diverse team, including prisoners.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in industrial kitchens or large-scale catering. Highlight any relevant qualifications, especially your Level 2 Certificate in Food Production and Food Hygiene Certificate, as these are essential for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising and mentoring prisoners, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Discuss your communication style and how you motivate others, particularly in high-pressure situations.
✨Prepare for Security Questions
Given the nature of the work environment, expect questions related to security protocols and compliance. Be honest about your understanding of these policies and express your commitment to maintaining a safe and secure kitchen environment.