Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Long Lartin - Part-Time

Ministry of Justice; West Midlands Combined Authority; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

A governmental agency in the UK is looking for a part-time catering professional to oversee meal preparations in a prison environment. You will guide and train offenders, enhancing their skills for better employment opportunities. This role requires a Level 2 certificate in food production, food hygiene certification, and is subject to background checks. Competitive salary is offered with additional benefits including training opportunities and job flexibility.

Benefits

Annual leave

Pension options

Childcare vouchers

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in catering or food production environments.
• Knowledge of health, safety and hygiene regulations.
• Ability to demonstrate competency in an industrial kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide offenders in food preparation.
• Support inmates in developing cooking skills and qualifications.

Skills

Catering skills

Ability to work with offenders

Communication

Team management

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 opportunity to apply your catering qualifications and skills and make an impact beyond the kitchen. As part of the prison's catering team, you will work in a professional industrial kitchen environment with Civil Service benefits including apprenticeship opportunities to earn while you learn. This role is for part-time 18.5 hours per week (salary pro‑rata from the full-time 37-hour week).

You will oversee the work of offenders to prepare and cook quality, nutritious meals for the entire prison. You will help them learn new skills and pursue qualifications to improve their employment prospects after leaving prison.

Note: The refresher training in food safety (HACCP) should be completed at three-year intervals.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide offenders in the preparation and cooking of meals to a high standard of quality and nutrition.
• Support inmates in developing new skills and achieving qualifications to improve future employability.

Behaviours

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

Pre-employment Checks

Successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks including His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service Enhanced Level 2 vetting. Because of the security status of the establishment, Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC vetting) is also required. Proof of UK residency for the last 3 years is needed for CTC vetting. Applicants who have been out of the country for a significant period may still be considered if they have maintained UK residency. Examples include overseas travel with intent to return, gap years, or travel with family. This is not an exhaustive list. Candidates must provide correct and up-to-date documentation on request.

Additional Information

Successful applicants must be 18 at the point of taking up the post (exception under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010). The MoJ offers hybrid working where business needs allow. Roles may be based at a MoJ office location or other related sites. Arrangements are discussed and agreed with the successful candidate and reviewed regularly.

Working Arrangements & Benefits

Full availability of benefits includes:

• Standard full-time hours are 37 per week; part-time, flexible, and job-sharing patterns may be considered in line with the Flexible Working policy.
• Annual leave, bank/public/privilege holidays (pro-rata as applicable).
• Pension options with the Civil Service.
• Season ticket advance after two months’ service.
• Childcare vouchers (subject to civil service schemes).
• Training and development opportunities, including Equality and Diversity, Dealing with Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention, Anti-Bullying programmes, and promotion opportunities.

Eligibility & Training

All candidates must pass security and identity checks prior to starting. External candidates may have a 6-month probation; internal candidates may have probation if not previously served. All staff must declare memberships in groups or organisations that the HMPPS regards as racist.

Nationality, Redeployment & Equality

The Civil Service operates on merit and open competition. Diversity and inclusion are priorities, with adjustments available throughout the recruitment process for disabled candidates. Veterans have a guaranteed interview scheme where eligible. Redeployment opportunities are provided for at-risk staff. This role is broadly open to UK nationals, certain EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and family members, and other eligible categories under the Civil Service Nationality Rules. See the full guidance for details.

Location & Hours

Salary: £28,122 – £29,611 (pro-rata for part-time). You will work a 37-hour week (core day hours). Some roles may require working on public holidays depending on shift patterns and operational needs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Level 2 certificate in food production within hospitality and catering or equivalent
• Food hygiene certificate at Level 2
• Familiar with health, safety and hygiene regulations for working in a kitchen
• Ability to demonstrate competency within an industrial kitchen environment
• Ability to speak confidently in English