At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a catering team to prepare nutritious meals in a unique prison environment.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice and make a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for professional development await you.
- Why this job: Transform lives while honing your catering skills in a supportive setting.
- Qualifications: Must have food production qualifications and a passion for helping others.
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.
Behaviours
- Developing self and others
- Managing a quality service
- Communicating and influencing
- Making effective decisions
- Working together
Successful applicants need to be 18 at the point they take up post as an exception under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
Working Arrangements & Further Information
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and/or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone's circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.
Benefits
- Annual Leave - The holiday year runs from 1 March. If you work a non-standard work pattern your leave entitlement may be expressed in either hours or days as appropriate. Leave entitlement is calculated on a pro-rata basis and you will be advised of your actual entitlement on appointment.
- Bank, Public and Privilege Holidays - You are entitled to 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) in recognition of bank, public and privilege holidays. These hours are added to your annual leave allowance. There is a requirement to work some public and bank holidays subject to your shift pattern and the operational needs of the establishment.
- Pension - The Civil Service offers a choice of two pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
- Work Life Balance - HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) is keen to encourage alternative working arrangements. Work life balance provides greater opportunities for staff to work more flexibly wherever managers and establishments can accommodate requests to do so.
- Training - HMPPS is committed to staff development and offers a range of training and development opportunities, including areas such as Equality and Diversity, Dealing with Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention and Anti Bullying Programmes.
Eligibility
All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post. All external candidates are subject to 6 months probation. Internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not already served a probationary period within HMPPS.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition.
As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
A Great Place to Work for Veterans
The initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs.
Civil Service Nationality Rules
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).
Qualifications Required
- 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
Band 3 salary minimum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance - £33,746
Band 3 salary maximum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance - £35,533
Prison Catering in Liverpool employer: HM Prison and Probation Service
Join the Ministry of Justice as a Prison Catering professional and experience a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of offenders while honing your culinary skills in a supportive and structured environment. With competitive salaries, comprehensive Civil Service benefits, and a strong commitment to employee development through training and apprenticeship programmes, you'll find a fulfilling career that promotes work-life balance and flexible working arrangements. This role not only allows you to contribute to rehabilitation efforts but also offers a chance for personal growth and meaningful engagement within the community.
Contact Details:
HM Prison and Probation Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Catering in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the prison catering environment! Research the specific challenges and rewards of working in this unique setting. Understanding the role's impact on offenders' lives can help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to those tricky behavioural questions. Think about real-life examples where you've developed others, managed quality service, or made effective decisions. We want to see how you handle situations!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former prison catering staff if you can. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up on what the interviewers are really looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Catering in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your catering qualifications and any relevant experience in an industrial kitchen. We want to see how your skills can make a difference in our unique environment!
Answer Behavioural Questions Thoughtfully:When tackling those behavioural questions, think about specific examples from your past. Show us how you've developed others, managed quality service, and made effective decisions. This is your chance to shine!
Be Honest and Authentic:We appreciate authenticity! Be honest about your experiences and how they relate to the role. If you have a passion for helping others turn their lives around, let that enthusiasm come through in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your catering qualifications and any relevant experience. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help in a prison environment, especially when it comes to preparing nutritional meals and overseeing offenders.
✨Behavioural Questions Prep
Expect behavioural questions that focus on developing self and others, managing quality service, and effective communication. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that showcase these behaviours, as they’ll want to see how you handle real-life situations.
✨Show Your Passion for Change
This role is about more than just cooking; it’s about making a difference. Be prepared to talk about why you’re passionate about helping offenders learn new skills and how you can contribute to their rehabilitation process.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the job involves various shift patterns, be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to work outside standard hours. Highlight your adaptability and how you can manage your time effectively to meet the demands of the role.