At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to prepare nutritious meals and support offenders in learning new skills.
- Company: Join a unique catering team within HMP Leeds, 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 a chance for career growth.
- Why this job: Transform lives through cooking while working in a professional kitchen environment.
- Qualifications: Must have Level 2 food production and hygiene certificates, plus kitchen experience.
The predicted salary is between 34928 - 36778 £ 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.
Qualifications
- 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.
Salary
Band 3 salary minimum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance – £34,928. Band 3 salary maximum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance – £36,778.
18106 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Leeds employer: Ministry of Justice
Join HMP Leeds as a Caterer and experience a unique opportunity to utilise your catering skills in a meaningful way. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee growth through apprenticeship programmes, allowing you to earn while you learn, all within a professional kitchen environment that values work-life balance. With competitive salaries, Civil Service benefits, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of offenders, HMP Leeds is an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding career in catering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 18106 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the prison catering environment! Research what it’s like to work in a kitchen within a prison setting. Understanding the unique challenges and rewards can help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for making a difference! When chatting with potential employers, highlight how you’re excited about helping offenders learn new skills and improve their lives through quality meals.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former prison catering staff if you can. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up on job openings. Plus, it shows you’re serious about this career path!
✨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 about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace 18106 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Leeds
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:This role is about more than just cooking; it’s about making an impact. Share your passion for helping others and how you can contribute to the rehabilitation of offenders through your work.
Follow the Guidelines:Pay close attention to the job requirements, especially around health, safety, and hygiene regulations. We’re looking for candidates who are not only skilled but also compliant with industry standards.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role!
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.
✨Show Your Passion for Impact
This job is about more than just cooking; it's about making a difference. Be prepared to talk about how you can help offenders learn new skills and turn their lives around. Share any past experiences where you've made a positive impact.
✨Be Ready for Shift Patterns
Understand the shift patterns and be ready to discuss your flexibility. Highlight your willingness to work outside of typical hours, including weekends and public holidays, as this shows commitment to the role.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be overseeing offenders, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in a team or training environment. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and support others.
