At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a catering team to prepare nutritious meals and support offenders in learning new skills.
- Company: Join a unique catering team within HMP Hindley, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, and earn while you learn through apprenticeships.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for part-time work and job sharing.
- Why this job: Transform lives while honing your catering skills in a professional kitchen environment.
- 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.
17318 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Hindley in Portstewart employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 17318 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Hindley in Portstewart
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the prison catering environment! Research what it’s like to work in a kitchen that serves a unique community. Understanding the challenges and rewards can help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to those tricky behavioural questions. Think about past experiences where you’ve had to demonstrate teamwork or problem-solving skills, especially in a kitchen setting. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for making a difference! This role isn’t just about cooking; it’s about helping others turn their lives around. Be ready to share why this aspect of the job resonates with you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
We think you need these skills to ace 17318 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Hindley in Portstewart
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 can make a difference in our unique kitchen environment.
Nail the Behavioural Questions: When answering those behavioural questions, think about real-life examples that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. We want to see how you handle challenges!
Show Your Passion for Impact: This role is about more than just cooking; it’s about making a difference. Let us know why you’re passionate about helping others and how you can contribute to their journey of change.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly 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 experience. Be ready to discuss your Level 2 certificate in food production and any relevant food hygiene certifications. This shows you’re serious about the role and understand the importance of health and safety in a kitchen environment.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience in an industrial kitchen. Think of specific examples where you've demonstrated your ability to manage a team or oversee food preparation. Highlight how you can help offenders learn new skills, as this is a key part of the job.
✨Be Ready for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle certain situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. For instance, think about a time you had to resolve a conflict in the kitchen or adapt to unexpected changes in a menu.
✨Understand the Impact
This role goes beyond just cooking; it’s about making a difference. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work in a prison setting and how you can contribute to helping offenders turn their lives around. Showing empathy and understanding of the rehabilitation process will set you apart.