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- Tasks: Lead a team to prepare nutritious meals and support offenders in learning new skills.
- Company: Join a unique catering team within the prison system, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, and earn while you learn with apprenticeship opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with part-time options available; great career development potential.
- Why this job: Transform lives through cooking while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
- 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.
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.
17309 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Grendon & Springhill employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 17309 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Grendon & Springhill
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what it’s like to work in a prison catering environment and understand the unique challenges. This will help you answer those tricky behavioural questions with confidence.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through potential interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your past experiences relate to the job, especially your ability to oversee and support others in a kitchen setting.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for making a difference! Highlight your commitment to helping others learn and grow. This role isn’t just about cooking; it’s about transforming lives, so let that shine through in your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace 17309 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Grendon & Springhill
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 best bits!
Nail the Behavioural Questions: When answering those behavioural questions, think about real-life examples that showcase your problem-solving skills and teamwork. We’re keen to know how you’d handle situations in our unique environment.
Show Your Passion for Impact: This role is all about making a difference, so let us know why you’re passionate about helping others through food. Share your thoughts on how you can contribute to the rehabilitation process while working in the kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 would handle specific situations in the kitchen or with offenders. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving skills.
✨Show Your Passion for Impact
This job is about more than just cooking; it’s about making a difference. Be ready to talk about why you want to work in this environment and how you can contribute to helping offenders learn new skills and turn their lives around.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.