17285 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Elmley
17285 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Elmley

17285 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Elmley

Full-Time 33746 - 35533 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Ministry of Justice

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a catering team to prepare nutritious meals and support offenders in skill development.
  • Company: Join a unique catering team within HMP Elmley, 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 career growth.
  • 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 - 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

Please note refresher training in food safety (HACCP) should be completed at three year intervals.

Behaviours

  • Developing self and others
  • Managing a quality service
  • Communicating and influencing
  • Making effective decisions
  • Working together

17285 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Elmley employer: Ministry of Justice

At HMP Elmley, we offer a unique catering role that goes beyond traditional kitchen work, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of offenders while honing your culinary skills in a professional environment. With competitive salaries, comprehensive Civil Service benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional growth through apprenticeships, our supportive work culture prioritises employee development and work-life balance. Join us in transforming lives through quality nutrition and skill-building, all within a structured shift pattern that respects your time.
Ministry of Justice

Contact Detail:

Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land 17285 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Elmley

✨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. Understanding the unique challenges and rewards can help you stand out during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your skills! When you get the chance, demonstrate your culinary expertise and how you can manage a team effectively. Use examples from your past experiences to highlight your ability to oversee others and maintain quality service.

✨Tip Number 3

Connect with current employees! If possible, reach out to those already working in the prison catering team. They can provide insider tips on what the role really entails and what the interviewers are looking for.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace 17285 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Elmley

Catering Qualifications
Food Production Skills
Food Hygiene Certification (Level 2)
Health and Safety Regulations Knowledge
Industrial Kitchen Competency
English Communication Skills
Team Management
Quality Service Management
Decision-Making Skills
Influencing Skills
Collaboration Skills
HACCP Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your catering qualifications and any relevant experience in your application. We want to see how your skills can make a difference in our kitchen and beyond!

Be Genuine: When writing your application, let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also passionate about making an impact in the lives of others.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to this specific role. Mention how you can contribute to the team and support offenders in their journey.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your catering qualifications and food hygiene knowledge. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of working in an industrial kitchen, especially in a unique environment like a prison.

✨Showcase Your People Skills

This role involves overseeing offenders, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and manage a diverse team. Think of examples where you've successfully influenced or supported others in a work setting.

✨Understand the Impact

Be prepared to talk about how catering can make a difference in the lives of offenders. Show that you understand the importance of providing quality meals and how it ties into their rehabilitation and skill development.

✨Flexibility is Key

Since the job requires working outside of typical hours, be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to different shift patterns. Highlight any previous experience you have with flexible working arrangements.

17285 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Elmley
Ministry of Justice

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