Job Advertisement: Chef
Location: HMP Thameside
Contract Type: Full-Time, 40 Hours (2-week rota working every 2nd weekend)
Salary: £30,051 + £6,200 London weighting allowance
Reporting To: Catering Manager & Chef Team Leader
Tired of unpredictable shifts, late nights, and never knowing when your day will end? Imagine having structured hours, stability, and a chance to make a real difference—this could be the role you've been looking for!
Join our team as a Chef at HMP Thameside, where you'll enjoy a fulfilling role delivering essential catering services in a unique environment while contributing to the development of others.
Core Responsibilities:
Assist in delivering catering services in compliance with HM Prison Services Catering and Food Safety Standards.
Ensure prisoners receive at least one hot meal daily, meeting health, dietary, and religious requirements.
Work in the staff Bistro as required and support prisoner training through the Green King project.
Maintain compliance with food hygiene legislation, HACCP, and Serco's food safety management system.
Provide training and supervision to a selected group of prisoners working in the catering department.
Perform quality checks on serveries during mealtimes.
Prepare special menus for religious and special day events.
Support prisoner movements and searches related to the catering department.
What We're Looking For:
Qualifications and Experience:
City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2 or equivalent.
Food Safety Level 2 (Level 3 desirable or to be completed on the job).
HACCP Level 3 desirable (training provided if needed).
Minimum of 3 years' experience in a similar role, preferably within a custodial environment.
Key Skills:
Leadership and time management.
Creativity and adaptability.
Strong oral and written communication.
Teamworking and basic IT proficiency.
Knowledge Requirements:
Awareness of Health & Safety at Work Regulations.
Awareness of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.
Understanding of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP).
What We Offer:
Competitive Salary: £30,051 + £6,200 London weighting allowance.
Training and Development: Access to a wide range of internal courses and the opportunity to gain additional qualifications.
Employee Wellbeing:
24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
BUPA Anytime HealthLine.
Wellbeing app and Simplyhealth cash plans to reclaim healthcare costs.
Benefits:
Discounts across 1,000+ retailers, including food, clothing, and entertainment.
ShareSave scheme to buy Serco shares at a discount.
Community Impact:
Paid volunteering day each year.
Tax-free donations to your favourite charity via the Payroll Giving Scheme.
Additional Information:
This role is subject to a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) security check.
Requires a willingness to work shift patterns, weekends, and occasional travel within the UK.
How to Apply:
If you're ready to leave behind the unpredictability of split shifts and late nights and step into a role that offers stability, structure, and the chance to make a real impact, apply today and take the first step toward a fulfilling career with Serco.
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