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 Wetherby, 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 and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Transform lives through food while working in a professional kitchen environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 certificate in food production 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. You’ll also 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. Shift patterns are in place which include hours outside 7 am to 7 pm 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 business needs/operational requirements. 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
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
- 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
11638 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Wetherby in Leeds employer: Ministry of Justice
At HMP Wetherby, we offer a unique catering role that goes beyond traditional kitchen duties, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of offenders while enjoying a supportive work culture. With competitive salaries, comprehensive Civil Service benefits, and opportunities for professional growth through apprenticeships, our team is dedicated to fostering an environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in creating nutritious meals and helping individuals turn their lives around in a structured and rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 11638 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Wetherby in Leeds
✨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 behavioural questions! Think about real-life examples where you've developed others or managed a quality service. We want you to show how you can make a positive impact in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Connect with current or former prison catering staff on LinkedIn. They can provide insights and tips that could give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace 11638 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Wetherby in Leeds
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 align with the role, especially in an industrial kitchen setting.
Nail Those Behavioural Questions:When answering the behavioural questions, think about specific examples from your past. We want to see how you’ve developed yourself and others, managed quality service, and made effective decisions.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be overseeing offenders, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Use clear and confident language in your application to reflect this skill.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 regarding health and safety regulations.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since you'll be overseeing offenders, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and manage a diverse team. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully influenced or supported others in a work setting.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, focusing on scenarios that highlight your decision-making and teamwork skills.
✨Emphasise Your Impact
This role is about more than just cooking; it’s about making a difference. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the rehabilitation of offenders through your work in the kitchen, showcasing your passion for helping others develop new skills.
