This is not your average catering. 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

Salary minimum £33,275

Salary maximum £33,275

You will work a 37 hour week Monday to Friday, core day hours only.

Qualifications and experience:

• level 2 certificate in food production within hospitality and catering or equivalent

• food hygiene certificate at Level 2

• food hygiene certificate Level 3 (intermediate level)

• working towards a relevant vocational qualification at Level 3 or already hold formal qualifications in catering e.g. City and Guilds 7061/7062 or NVQ Level 3

In addition, you must be:

• 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 demonstrate team leadership experience

Please note refresher training in food safety (HACCP) should be completed at three year intervals.

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh is also required

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

• Leadership

Introduction to the role:

Make a Real Impact - Lead Our Staff Bistro in a Unique Setting

Are you a creative, self-driven individual with a passion for food and people? We’re looking for someone to take the reins of our staff bistro located within HMP YOI Swinfen Hall - a rewarding role where your culinary skills and leadership will make a genuine difference.

You’ll be working with a small team of prisoners, training and guiding them to deliver a high-quality lunch service for the staff who keep the prison running. From sit-down meals to grab-and-go options, you’ll have the freedom to design a menu that’s both cost-effective and enticing.

This is more than just a kitchen job - it’s a chance to:

• Inspire and mentor individuals developing new skills

• Create a welcoming space for staff to relax and recharge

• Bring fresh ideas to food service in a secure environment

• Balance creativity with smart budgeting and planning

• Help prisoners gain real-world skills and a recognised qualification.