Chef

Serco Group Plc; Greater London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on site car parking

Pension scheme (6%+)

Internal training courses

Mentoring opportunities

Virtual GP service

Retailer discounts

Volunteering day

Payroll Giving

Employee networks

Job summary

Serco Group Plc at HMP Thameside is seeking a Chef to deliver safe, nutritious meals and support the day-to-day operation of a busy custodial catering environment.

You'll uphold high food safety standards, support rehabilitation through training opportunities, and help impact a better future in a role with purpose.

Permanent, full-time with a 3 days on/2 off shift pattern and weekend work; £31,027 per annum plus corporate benefits.

Qualifications

• Food Safety Level 2 or 3 qualification (or willingness to obtain).
• Good understanding of food hygiene, allergen management and HACCP principles.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills for guiding others.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment while upholding high standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook varied, nutritious meals including dietary, cultural, and religious requirements.
• Support catering services in line with Serco standards and food safety regulations.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, storage, and stock control procedures with accurate records.
• Provide guidance and supervision to catering assistants and prisoners in the department.
• Carry out equipment checks, report faults, and ensure catering facilities remain safe and operational.
• Support the Head Chef and Catering Manager and deputise to ensure continuity of service.

Skills

Food safety

Communication

Teamwork

Supervision

Education

Food Safety Level 2

Job description

As a Chef in our Justice and Immigration team at HMP Thameside, you'll help deliver safe, nutritious, and high-quality meals while supporting the day-to-day operation of a busy custodial catering environment. Your work will contribute to the wellbeing of those in our care and help maintain a safe, secure, and efficient service.

Every day, our work touches lives. Through the preparation and delivery of meals, you'll help create a positive impact on individuals, colleagues, and the wider community. This is a role with purpose, where you'll be trusted to uphold high food safety standards, support rehabilitation through training opportunities, and help impact a better future.

What you’ll do as a Chef

• Prepare and cook varied, nutritious meals, including special dietary, cultural, and religious requirements.
• Support the delivery of catering services in line with Serco standards and all relevant food safety regulations.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, storage, and stock control procedures, ensuring accurate records are completed.
• Provide guidance and supervision to catering assistants and prisoners working within the catering department.
• Carry out equipment checks, report faults, and help ensure all catering facilities remain safe and operational.
• Support the Head Chef and Catering Manager and deputise when required to ensure continuity of service.

Previous experience working in a large-scale catering environment such as healthcare, custodial, military, education, or similar settings.

• Food Safety Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, or willingness to obtain where required.
• Good understanding of food hygiene, allergen management, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to support and guide others.
• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.

Permanent, Full Time (Shift Pattern: 3 days on, 2 off and working every second weekend)

£31,027 per annum + Corporate Benefits Package

Ready to impact a better future?, 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays (and the option to buy up to five additional leave days each year)

• Free on site car parking
• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (we currently offer over 60 different apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
• Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
• Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
• Our employee networks support connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including veterans, LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, and people from all cultural backgrounds.

Vetting and checks

An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role. This includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and any relevant information held by local police, in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and safeguarding requirements. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire to allow us to provide any support needed for you to succeed in the role.