At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a prison kitchen, mentoring offenders while preparing nutritious meals.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice and make a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Transform lives through culinary skills and support rehabilitation.
- Qualifications: Catering qualifications and experience in an industrial kitchen 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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- Training - HMPPS is committed to staff development and offers a range of training and development opportunities.
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.
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 "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria.
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
- 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, and 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 Kitchen Lead: Impactful Culinary & Mentoring in Liverpool employer: HM Prison and Probation Service
Join a unique and impactful team at HMPPS as a Prison Kitchen Lead, where your culinary skills will not only shine but also contribute to the rehabilitation of offenders. Enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development through training and apprenticeship opportunities, alongside a competitive salary and comprehensive Civil Service benefits. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to work-life balance, this role offers a rewarding chance to make a difference in the lives of others while advancing your own career.
Contact Details:
HM Prison and Probation Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Kitchen Lead: Impactful Culinary & Mentoring in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the prison environment! Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and opportunities in a prison kitchen. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice those behavioural questions! Think about how you've developed others, managed quality services, and made effective decisions in your past roles. We want to hear real examples that showcase your skills and experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff if you can. They can provide insights into the role and the culture of the prison kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to get tips on what to highlight in your interview!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the application process there.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Kitchen Lead: Impactful Culinary & Mentoring in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your CV Wisely:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your catering qualifications and relevant experience. We want to see how your skills can make a difference in our kitchen, so don’t hold back on showcasing your culinary talents!
Answer Behavioural Questions Thoughtfully:When it comes to those behavioural questions, think about real-life examples that demonstrate your ability to manage a quality service and support others. We’re looking for genuine insights into how you handle challenges and work with a team.
Show Your Passion for Mentoring:This role isn’t just about cooking; it’s about making an impact! Share your enthusiasm for mentoring and helping others develop their skills. We love to see candidates who are genuinely invested in turning lives around.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Brush up on your culinary qualifications and experience. Be ready to discuss specific techniques, dishes, and how you ensure quality and nutrition in meals. This role is all about making an impact through food, so show them you know your way around an industrial kitchen!
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
Since you'll be overseeing offenders, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to mentor and support others. Prepare examples of how you've helped others learn new skills or overcome challenges in the past. Highlight your communication style and how you build rapport.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your behaviours, like managing a quality service and making effective decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to make tough decisions or work collaboratively.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
This isn't just a job; it's a chance to change lives. Familiarise yourself with the prison system and the rehabilitation process. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to reducing reoffending rates through your role in the kitchen. Show your passion for making a difference!
