Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Whatton (Ref: 13015)

HM Prison and Probation Service; Rushcliffe; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A public service organization in Rushcliffe is hiring for a Catering role with the responsibility to oversee offenders preparing quality meals, support skill development, and manage shifts. Candidates should hold a Level 2 certificate in Food Production and a Food Hygiene Certificate. The position offers a salary range of £33,746 to £35,533, Civil Service pension contributions, and an inclusive culture. Flexible working options enhance your work-life balance.

Benefits

Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme

Access to learning and development

Flexible working options

Annual leave and public holidays

Qualifications

• Must have Level 2 certificate in Food Production within Hospitality and Catering or equivalent.
• Require Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Familiarity with health, safety, and hygiene regulations necessary.

Responsibilities

• Oversee offenders in preparing nutritional meals.
• Support offenders in learning new skills for better employment chances.
• Manage shift patterns including unsocial hours.

Skills

Food Production skills

Food hygiene knowledge

Communication in English

Health and safety regulations awareness

Education

Level 2 certificate in Food Production

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

About this role

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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the work of offenders to prepare and cook quality, nutritional meals for the entire prison.
• Support offenders in learning new skills and working towards gaining qualifications to increase their chances of employment and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
• Manage shift patterns that include hours outside of 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays, and receive a 20% unsocial hours payment.
• Attend interviews and assessment sessions, completing behavioural and technical questions.
• Undergo a criminal record check and necessary security standard checks before successful appointment.

Qualifications

• Level 2 certificate in Food Production within Hospitality and Catering or equivalent.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Familiar with all current health, safety and hygiene related regulations for working in a kitchen.
• Demonstrate competency within an industrial kitchen environment.
• Speak with confidence in English.
• Refresher training in food safety (HACCP) should be completed at three‑year intervals.

Benefits

• Band 3 salary minimum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance – £33,746.
• Band 3 salary maximum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance – £35,533.
• Contribution to Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme (28.97% employer contribution).
• Access to learning and development.
• Flexible working options to enhance work‑life balance.
• Annual leave, public holidays and season ticket advances.
• Supportive, inclusive working culture.

Application process

Submit an anonymised CV and answer behavioural and technical questions. Successful candidates will only receive feedback if they attend an interview or assessment. For further information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances, and general queries, visit the Candidate Information Page at https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ.

Equal opportunities and diversity

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. It runs a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.