Job Advertisement:
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.