12971 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Manchester

Ministry of Justice; Brighton; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in the UK seeks a passionate caterer for a prison environment. You will oversee meal preparation and provide guidance to inmates, helping them learn valuable skills. This role offers a competitive salary within Band 3, plus benefits such as a pension and apprenticeship opportunities. You must have a Level 2 food production certificate and Level 2 food hygiene certification, with shifts including evenings and weekends, reflecting the responsibilities of the role.

Benefits

Pension

Civil Service benefits

Apprenticeship opportunities

Qualifications

• 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 regulations for kitchens.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preparation and cooking of meals for the prison.
• Support inmates in gaining cooking skills and qualifications.

Skills

Catering qualifications

Food hygiene (Level 2)

Communication in English

Education

Level 2 certificate in food production

Job description

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.

Behaviours

• Developing self and others
• Managing a quality service
• Communicating and influencing
• Making effective decisions
• Working together

Pre‑employment checks

If your application is successful, you will need to undergo and clear pre‑employment checks. This will include His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service Enhanced Level 2 vetting, and due to the security status of the establishment Counter‑Terrorism Check (CTC vetting) is also required. Proof that you have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years is needed to complete the CTC vetting process. The residency requirements refer to the period immediately before an application is made, and not any other three‑year period, or any other accumulation of time spent in the UK.

If you have been out of the country for a significant period of time (usually up to one year) and maintained your UK residency you may still be considered for vetting clearance. For example:

• spent a significant period of time overseas without returning to the UK, but intend to return in the future
• taken a gap year before or following university
• traveled for a year
• spent time overseas visiting family

This is not an exhaustive list.

Candidates must be able to provide correct and up to date documentation when requested during the application process.