Prison Catering Caterer

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

Job summary

A government agency in the UK seeks a Catering Supervisor to oversee food preparation and cook nutritional meals within a prison setting. Responsibilities include guiding offenders in food production and helping them learn valuable skills for future employment. The role offers a 37-hour work week with additional payments for unsocial hours and requires relevant food safety certifications. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive civil service benefits.

Benefits

Pension

Civil Service benefits

Apprenticeship opportunities

Qualifications

• Must have Level 2 certificate in food production or equivalent.
• Food hygiene certificate at Level 2 is required.
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations for kitchens is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the work of offenders in food preparation.
• Prepare and cook nutritional meals for the prison.
• Support offenders in learning new skills and gaining qualifications.

Skills

Ability to oversee food preparation

Communication skills

Ability to work in a team

Education

Level 2 certificate in food production

Food hygiene certificate at Level 2

Job description

Overview

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 & Salary

You will work a 37‑hour week and shift patterns are in place which include hours outside of 7 am to 7 pm 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

• 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.

Behaviours

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

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.