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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.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for part-time work and job sharing.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 33746 - 35530 £ 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 - £35,53.
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
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.
Behaviours:
- Developing self and others
- Managing a quality service
- Communicating and influencing
- Making effective decisions
- Working together
16605 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Wealstun employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 16605 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Wealstun
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the prison catering environment! Research what it’s like to work in a professional 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 developed others or managed a quality service. We want you to show how you can make a real impact in this role!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former prison catering staff if you can. They can provide insider tips and insights that could give you an edge. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our process.
We think you need these skills to ace 16605 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Wealstun
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your CV Wisely: Make sure your CV highlights your catering qualifications and any relevant experience. Tailor it to show how your skills can make a difference in our unique environment at HMP Wealstun.
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 collaboratively. We want to see how you handle situations!
Show Your Passion for Impact: This role is all about making a difference. In your application, express why you’re excited about helping offenders learn new skills and turn their lives around. Let your passion shine through!
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, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there.
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
Expect questions about how you've handled situations in the past, especially around teamwork and managing quality service. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨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 work.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the job involves various shifts, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to work outside of typical hours. Highlighting your adaptability will demonstrate that you’re a great fit for the team.