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- Tasks: Lead a catering team to prepare nutritious meals and support offenders in skill development.
- Company: Join a unique catering role within the prison service, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, and earn while you learn through apprenticeships.
- Why this job: Transform lives while honing your catering skills in a professional kitchen environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 food production certificate and food hygiene certification required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for part-time work and job sharing.
The predicted salary is between 26796 - 29500 £ per year.
Overview
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
Other requirements
- 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
Please 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.
- Developing self and others
- Managing a quality service
- Communicating and influencing
- Making effective decisions
- Working together
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10287 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Onley employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 10287 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Onley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the caterer position at HMP Onley. This way, when you get that interview, you can show off your knowledge and passion for making a difference in the lives of offenders through quality catering.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice those behavioural questions! Think about how you've managed quality service or communicated effectively in past roles. We recommend jotting down examples that highlight your skills and experiences, so you're ready to impress when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees of HMP Onley on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and maybe 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. Don’t forget to tailor your CV to highlight your catering qualifications and any relevant experience!
We think you need these skills to ace 10287 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Onley
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 strengths in food production and hygiene.
Answer Behavioural Questions Thoughtfully: When tackling those behavioural questions, think about real-life examples that showcase your ability to manage a quality service and work with others. We’re keen to see how you’ve handled situations in the past, so be specific!
Show Your Passion for Impact: This role is all about making a difference, so let your passion for helping others come through in your application. Share why you’re excited about supporting offenders in learning new skills and turning their lives around.
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 makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your catering qualifications and any relevant food hygiene regulations. Being able to confidently discuss your experience in an industrial kitchen will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since they’ll be asking how you would react in certain situations, think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage a quality service and work with others. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Show Your Passion for Impact
This role is about more than just cooking; it’s about making a difference. Be ready to talk about why you want to help offenders learn new skills and how you can contribute to their rehabilitation through your catering expertise.
✨Be Ready for Shift Patterns
Understand the shift patterns and be prepared to discuss your flexibility. Highlight your willingness to work outside of traditional hours, as this shows commitment and adaptability, which are key in this role.
