At a Glance
- Tasks: Help offenders cook nutritious meals and develop culinary skills in a professional kitchen.
- Company: Join a supportive environment focused on rehabilitation and skill development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with potential for part-time or job share arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while honing your catering skills.
- Qualifications: Level 2 food production certificate and food hygiene certification required.
The predicted salary is between 34928 - 36778 £ per year.
This role enables you to put your catering qualifications and skills into practice in a professional industrial kitchen environment. You will help offenders prepare and cook quality, nutritious meals while supporting their rehabilitation and future employment prospects.
Responsibilities
- You will oversee the preparation and cooking of meals for the entire prison and assist offenders in developing culinary skills.
- Your role also involves maintaining hygiene and food safety standards in a high‑volume kitchen setting.
Working Hours and Pay
The position is a 37‑hour week with shift patterns including evenings, weekends and public holidays. You will receive a 20% unsocial hours payment in addition to basic pay. The Band 3 salary range is £34,928 to £36,778 (inclusive of the unsocial hours allowance). All roles are open to part‑time or job share arrangements, subject to operational requirements.
Qualifications and Experience
- Level 2 certificate in food production within hospitality and catering, or equivalent
- Food hygiene certificate at Level 2
- Familiarity with current health, safety and hygiene regulations for kitchen work
- Demonstrated competency in an industrial kitchen environment
- Proficient spoken English
Please note that refresher food safety (HACCP) training must be completed at three‑year intervals.
Behaviours
- Developing self and others
- Managing a quality service
- Communicating and influencing
- Working together
Working Arrangements & Benefits
Hybrid working arrangements may be offered where business need allows, combining base location, MoJ sites, and/or home; however, this role must be performed in the UK. All employees are entitled to civil service benefits, including a pension scheme choice. Existing civil service employees may be considered on a loan basis for up to two years.
Bank, Public and Privilege Holidays – Nine days (66 hours 36 minutes) are added to the annual leave allowance, with certain holidays potentially requiring work depending on shift patterns.
Pension – The Civil Service offers a choice of two pension schemes, providing flexibility to suit individual preferences.
Season Ticket Advance – After two months of service, employees become eligible to apply for a season ticket advance for travel between home and workplace.
Training and development opportunities include training in Equality and Diversity, Managing Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention, Anti‑Bullying programmes, and other role‑specific modules.
Security and identity checks, as well as a six‑month probation period for external candidates, are required before commencing the role.
Civil Service Nationality Rules
This role is broadly open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK, EU/EEA nationals (including certain family members), and Turkish nationals who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service. Candidates must meet the standard civil service eligibility criteria.
EEO and Accessibility Statement
We are a Disability Confident employer and commit to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. All applications are assessed on merit, and candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria may be offered an interview, unless specifically excluded.
Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Leeds employer: Ministry of Justice
As a Caterer at HMP Leeds, you will not only utilise your culinary skills in a dynamic and supportive environment but also play a vital role in the rehabilitation of offenders by helping them develop essential cooking skills. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and flexible working arrangements, ensuring a fulfilling career path while contributing to meaningful change in the community. With competitive pay, generous leave allowances, and a strong focus on health and safety, HMP Leeds stands out as an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding and impactful role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen environment before your interview. If you can, visit the facility or similar ones to understand the dynamics and challenges. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your culinary skills and be ready to showcase them. Whether it’s cooking a meal or discussing food safety practices, being hands-on will impress the interviewers and show your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your communication skills. You’ll be working with offenders, so demonstrating your ability to influence and support them in developing their culinary skills is key. Share examples of how you've done this in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace 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 contribute to our kitchen environment, so don’t hold back!
Keep It Clean:Since hygiene and food safety are super important in this role, mention any food hygiene certifications you have. We love candidates who take these standards seriously, so let us know how you keep things safe and clean.
Be Yourself:We’re looking for genuine people who can communicate well and work together with others. Use your application to show us your personality and how you can connect with the team and the offenders.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on this exciting journey with us at HMP Leeds.
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 safety regulations. Being able to discuss your experience in an industrial kitchen and how you maintain hygiene standards will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to talk about specific culinary skills you've developed, especially those that relate to working with offenders. Think about examples where you've helped others learn or improve their cooking abilities, as this is a key part of the job.
✨Understand the Environment
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges of working in a prison kitchen. Be ready to discuss how you would handle high-pressure situations and maintain a positive atmosphere while ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since communication is crucial in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to explain how you would influence and motivate offenders, as well as how you would work collaboratively with your team to deliver quality meals.
