At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee meal preparation and support offenders in developing cooking skills.
- Company: Join a unique team at HMP Wormwood Scrubs, making a difference in rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension options, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; join us in promoting positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a dynamic kitchen environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 food production certificate and food hygiene certification required.
The predicted salary is between 25147 - 27596 £ per year.
We are looking for a Catering Officer (Band 3) to join our team at the prison’s industrial kitchen. The role involves overseeing offenders in the preparation and cooking of high‑quality, nutritional meals while supporting their skills development and rehabilitation.
Responsibilities
- Oversee offenders’ work to produce meals that meet dietary standards.
- Support offenders in learning new skills and working towards qualifications.
- Maintain high levels of hygiene, safety and food quality in line with all regulations.
- Ensure compliance with the prison’s operational and safety policies.
Working arrangements & hours
- 37‑hour week (Monday to Friday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., weekends and public holidays in shift patterns).
- 20% unsocial hours payment added to basic pay.
- Minimum salary: £40,876 (inclusive of unsocial allowance).
- Maximum salary: £43,039 (inclusive of unsocial allowance).
- Roles can be part‑time or job share where operationally required, but all shifts must be covered.
Qualifications and experience
- Level 2 certificate in food production within hospitality and catering or equivalent.
- Food hygiene certificate at Level 2.
Skills, knowledge and other requirements
- Familiar with health, safety and hygiene regulations for kitchen environments.
- Competency in an industrial kitchen – ability to work efficiently and safely.
- Excellent spoken English communication skills.
- Refresher training in HACCP completed at three‑year intervals.
Benefits
- Annual leave – pro‑rated on a standard 37‑hour week; notice that leave may be expressed in hours or days if a non‑standard pattern is worked.
- Bank, public and privilege holidays – 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) added to annual leave; some public and bank holidays may be worked.
- Pension – choice of two Civil Service pension schemes.
- Season ticket advance – eligible after two months’ service to purchase a quarterly or longer‑term season ticket.
- Childcare vouchers – may be impacted by moves across the Civil Service.
- Training – a range of staff development programmes, including equality and diversity, behavioural support, suicide prevention and anti‑bullying.
Equal Opportunity
All candidates are subject to security and identity checks before taking up post. External candidates are required to complete a six‑month probation; internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not already served a period within HMPPS. We welcome applications from groups especially disadvantaged under the Civil Service Commission principles and are committed to a disability‑confident process.
Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Wormwood Scrubs in London employer: Ministry of Justice
At HMP Wormwood Scrubs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the development and rehabilitation of both our staff and offenders. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth through comprehensive training programmes and a commitment to equality and diversity, while our competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave and pension options, ensures a rewarding career in a unique environment dedicated to making a positive impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Wormwood Scrubs in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Ministry of Justice. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Ministry of Justice
Don't be shy about reaching out to Ministry of Justice directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Wormwood Scrubs in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Ministry of Justice and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
