At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a catering team to prepare nutritious meals and support offenders in learning new skills.
- Company: Ministry of Justice, offering a unique catering role in a prison environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, apprenticeship opportunities, and unsocial hours pay.
- Other info: Flexible hours with potential for part-time arrangements and excellent career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping others turn their lives around while honing your catering skills.
- Qualifications: Level 2 food production certificate and food hygiene certification required.
The predicted salary is between 33746 - 35533 £ per year.
This is not your average catering job. It is a great chance to put your catering qualifications and skills into practice and make an impact far beyond the kitchen. 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 – £33,746. Band 3 salary maximum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance – £35,533.
Qualifications and experience:
- Level 2 certificate in food production within hospitality and catering or equivalent
- Food hygiene certificate at Level 2
- 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
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.
17880 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Liverpool employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Join the Ministry of Justice as a Caterer at HMP Liverpool, where you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, with opportunities for apprenticeships that allow you to earn while you learn. Experience a unique catering role that not only focuses on quality meal preparation but also contributes to the rehabilitation of offenders, helping them acquire valuable skills for their future.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 17880 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the prison catering environment! Research what it’s like to work in a kitchen within a prison setting. This will help you understand the unique challenges and rewards, making you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to those tricky behavioural questions. Think about past experiences where you’ve had to demonstrate teamwork or problem-solving skills, as these are key in this role. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for helping others! In your interviews, highlight how you can contribute to the rehabilitation of offenders through cooking. It’s not just about food; it’s about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that job!
We think you need these skills to ace 17880 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your CV Wisely:Make sure your CV highlights your catering qualifications and any relevant experience. We want to see how your skills can shine in a professional kitchen, so tailor it to show off your best bits!
Nail the Behavioural Questions:When answering those behavioural questions, think about real-life examples that showcase your problem-solving skills and teamwork. We’re looking for how you handle challenges, so be honest and specific!
Show Your Passion for Impact:This role is about more than just cooking; it’s about making a difference. Let us know why you’re passionate about helping others and how you can contribute to turning lives around through your work.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to get your application and ensures you’re considered for this unique opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your catering qualifications and experience. Be ready to discuss your Level 2 certificate in food production and any relevant food hygiene certifications. This role is all about practical skills, so be prepared to showcase your knowledge of health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
This job isn’t just about cooking; it’s about mentoring offenders too. Think of examples from your past where you’ve successfully worked with others or helped someone learn a new skill. Be ready to share how you can support them in their journey towards gaining qualifications.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would react in specific situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. For instance, think about a time you had to handle a difficult situation in the kitchen and how you resolved it.
✨Understand the Role's Unique Environment
Familiarise yourself with the prison environment and the unique challenges it presents. Be ready to discuss how you would adapt your catering skills to meet the needs of the prison population while ensuring quality and nutritional standards are maintained.
