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- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals in a professional kitchen while supporting offenders' skill development.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice, a supportive and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension options, and apprenticeship opportunities to earn while you learn.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available, with excellent training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping others develop skills for their future.
- Qualifications: Level 2 food production certificate and food hygiene certification required.
The predicted salary is between 33746 - 35533 £ per year.
This position is a catering role within a prison kitchen, requiring the preparation and cooking of quality, nutritious meals for offenders. You will 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.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the work of offenders in the preparation and cooking of meals for the entire prison.
- Support offenders in developing new skills and working towards qualifications to improve their employment prospects upon release.
- Maintain hygiene, health, and safety standards in the kitchen.
- Demonstrate competency in an industrial kitchen environment.
Qualifications and Experience
- Level 2 certificate in food production within hospitality and catering or equivalent.
- Food hygiene certificate at Level 2.
- Familiarity with all current health, safety, and hygiene regulations for kitchen work.
- Ability to speak with confidence in English.
Hours and Salary
Work a 37‑hour week with shift patterns that may include hours outside 7 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday, weekends, and public holidays. You will receive a 20% unsocial hours payment in addition to basic pay, subject to working those hours. Band 3 salary minimum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance: £33,746. Band 3 salary maximum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance: £35,533.
Working Arrangements
Hybrid Working arrangements are offered where business needs allow, blending working from your base location, different MoJ sites, or from home. Some roles may not be suitable for Hybrid Working. All applications for part‑time, flexible, and job‑sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with HMPPS’ Flexible Working policy.
Benefits
- Good salary and pension with choices of CS pension schemes.
- Civil Service benefits including apprenticeship opportunities and a chance to develop new skills.
- Season ticket advance available after two months’ service.
- Training and development opportunities in Equality and Diversity, dealing with challenging behaviour, suicide prevention, and anti‑bullying programmes.
Eligibility
Applicants must be 18 at the point they take up the post, as an exception under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010. This job is broadly open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK, nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and suitable family members, and other specified groups.
EEO Statement
The MoJ is an equal opportunities employer and a disability confident employer, committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent, and abilities, by making adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace.
Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Hindley in Wigan employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Hindley in Wigan
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen environment before your interview. If you can, visit the prison or similar settings to understand the dynamics and challenges. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Make sure you're up to speed with food hygiene and safety regulations. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge in these areas during the interview will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for helping others. Talk about how you can support offenders in developing their skills and improving their prospects. This role is about more than just cooking; it’s about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that suit your skills. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that values growth and development in the catering field.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Hindley in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your Level 2 certificate in food production and any relevant experience you have. We want to see how your skills can contribute to our kitchen environment!
Keep It Clean: Since hygiene is key in a prison kitchen, mention your Level 2 food hygiene certificate and any experience with health and safety regulations. This will show us you're serious about maintaining standards.
Speak Confidently: As communication is important in this role, let us know about your ability to speak confidently in English. This will help us understand how you can support offenders in developing their skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations. Being able to confidently discuss these topics will show that you’re serious about maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in catering and any relevant qualifications, like your Level 2 certificate in food production. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen tasks or supported others in developing their skills.
✨Understand the Environment
Familiarise yourself with the unique aspects of working in a prison kitchen. Highlight your ability to work with diverse groups and your understanding of the importance of rehabilitation through skill development.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about training opportunities or how they support offenders in gaining qualifications. This demonstrates your commitment to the job and the people you'll be working with.