HMP Onley - Prison Instructor - Catering and Food Service in Rugby

HMP Onley - Prison Instructor - Catering and Food Service in Rugby

Rugby Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Ministry of Justice

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Train and supervise prisoners in catering, ensuring quality service and food production.
  • Company: Join a unique role within the prison system focused on rehabilitation and employability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension schemes, and potential for career advancement.
  • Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by helping prisoners gain skills and improve their futures.
  • Qualifications: Level 2 certificate in Food Preparation and Cooking; commitment to further qualifications.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Non‑operational instructional role in a prison retail outlet.

Summary

Responsible for ensuring the successful operation of the prison retail outlet, training and supervising prisoner “employees”, applying safer custody practices, complying with security standards, maintaining productivity, good order, hygiene, and contributing to prisoners’ employability and reduced re‑offending.

Responsibilities

  • Supervise and motivate prisoners to work with customers, delivering quality, knowledgeable service and producing quality food and drink.
  • Promote and drive sales of services, food and manufactured products from local and national sources to build a customer base and improve turnover and gross profit.
  • Drive local income generation and business strategy, creating links with internal and external organisations to deliver a community‑based facility and comply with legal protocols.
  • Induct prisoners into the Retail Outlet.
  • Assess and evaluate prisoners’ skills, including NVQ levels 1 & 2 and other industry recognitions.
  • Register, supervise, monitor, assess and accredit learners per awarding body requirements.
  • Liaise with key contracted partners.
  • Supervise and maintain discipline of prisoners in training, education or work experience, handling performance, motivation, discipline, appraisal and development.
  • Open and complete ACCT, VRIR, SIR and IEP forms when required.
  • Carry out prisoner searches in training rooms/workshops.
  • Log attendance, approve hours worked and wages, record piecemeal work.
  • Conduct fabric checks and maintain security of locks, bolts and bars.
  • Contribute to parole, sentence planning and Individual Learning Plan reports.
  • Complete regime monitoring information and update training records.
  • Log tool/equipment faults for maintenance and repair.
  • Conduct risk and health and safety assessments on consumables under Safer Custody guidelines.
  • Order materials, estimate usage to meet learning targets.
  • Participate in self‑audit and achieve Service Delivery Indicators.
  • Complete administrative activities to support smooth workshop operation.
  • Open individual learning paths and keep them updated.
  • Assess learners’ Maths and English levels and support skill development.
  • Advise learners in seeking relevant employment opportunities upon resettlement.

Behaviours

  • Leadership
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working Together
  • Managing a Quality Service

Technical requirements

  • Minimum Level 2 certificate in Food Preparation and Cooking or equivalent City & Guilds 7061/7062, and attainment of higher qualifications or working toward them.
  • Familiarity with health, safety and hygiene regulations for kitchen work; completion of refresher HACCP training every 3 years.
  • Eligible to work toward a Level 3 or hold formal catering qualifications such as City & Guilds 7063 or NVQ Level 3.
  • Food Hygiene Certificate Level 3 (intermediate level).
  • Will hold or work toward a Level 2 Retail vocational qualification.
  • Knowledge of the Qualification and Credit Framework accreditation process.
  • Commitment to obtain an assessor award from the relevant awarding body within one year.
  • For roles in a young‑persons establishment, successful completion of suitability assessment for working with young people.

Eligibility

  • UK nationals
  • Republic of Ireland nationals
  • Commonwealth nationals with right to work in the UK
  • EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein nationals and their family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
  • Turkish nationals and eligible family members
  • Individuals with limited or indefinite leave who had eligible status by 31 December 2020

Hours of Work

Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week, excluding unpaid breaks.

Benefits

  • 9 bank, public and privilege holidays (66 hours 36 minutes) added to annual leave.
  • Option for a season ticket advance after two months of service.
  • Access to Civil Service pension schemes.

Equal Opportunities

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles.

HMP Onley - Prison Instructor - Catering and Food Service in Rugby employer: Ministry of Justice

At HMP Onley, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the growth and development of our staff while making a meaningful impact in the lives of prisoners. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional advancement through training and qualifications in catering and food service. With competitive benefits, including access to Civil Service pension schemes and generous leave, we are committed to creating a rewarding environment where you can contribute to reducing re-offending and enhancing employability skills.

Ministry of Justice

Contact Details:

Ministry of Justice Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HMP Onley - Prison Instructor - Catering and Food Service in Rugby

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 HMP Onley - Prison Instructor - Catering and Food Service in Rugby

Supervision and Leadership
Customer Service Skills
Sales Promotion
Training and Development
Assessment and Evaluation
Communication Skills
Health and Safety Compliance

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!