Caterer - HMP Lincoln (Ref: 18750)

Role overview

This role is based at HM Prison Lincoln, LN2 4BD. It offers a chance to use catering qualifications in a structured environment where the work has a wider social purpose. Rather than a typical hospitality setting, you will be part of a professional industrial kitchen inside a prison, helping to deliver nutritious meals for the whole establishment.

In addition to basic pay, the role includes Civil Service benefits such as pension access and apprenticeship opportunities that support learning while earning. The post does not involve late-night working in the way many restaurant roles do.

What the role involves

You will supervise offenders who are preparing and cooking quality meals, while contributing to their development through practical training and supported work experience. The aim is to help people gain useful skills and qualifications that can improve future employment prospects and reduce the risk of reoffending after release.

Working hours and pay

The role is based on a 37-hour week. Shift working is required, including time outside 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday to Friday, plus weekends and public holidays. Where these hours are worked, a 20% unsocial hours payment is added to basic pay.

Part-time and job-share arrangements may be considered depending on operational need, but the successful candidate must still be available for the full shift pattern. New starters will begin on the minimum salary point.

Band 3 salary range, including the 20% unsocial hours allowance, is £34,928 to £36,778.

Shift pattern details

The example rota averages 37 hours across a five-week cycle, with work on two weekends out of five. The earliest start is 7:00 am and the latest finish is 6:30 pm. No split shifts are required.

Qualifications and experience

You should hold a Level 2 certificate in Food Production within Hospitality and Catering, or an equivalent qualification, as well as a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. A Level 3 vocational qualification is also essential, or you must be willing to work towards one within an agreed timeframe. All qualifications should be uploaded in a single file.

You must also be confident working in an industrial kitchen and have a solid understanding of current health, safety and hygiene rules for kitchen environments. Strong spoken English is required. Refresher training in food safety (HACCP) should be completed every three years.

Application guidance

Applicants need to submit an anonymised CV and answer questions about relevant past experience. You will also be asked behavioural questions that explore how you would respond in workplace situations.

Selection criteria

The selection process assesses behaviours, strengths, experience and technical skills using the Success Profiles framework.

Behaviours assessed

• Developing yourself and others
• Providing a quality service
• Communicating and influencing effectively
• Making sound decisions
• Working collaboratively

Benefits

The role comes with a Civil Service pension, with an employer contribution of 28.97%. The employer contribution is stated as £10,118 alongside the salary of £34,928.

• Access to learning and development
• A workplace that supports flexible working options where possible
• An inclusive working culture
• Annual leave
• Public holidays
• Season Ticket Advance
• Apprenticeship opportunities
• Good holiday entitlement
• Career progression opportunities

Security and eligibility

Successful applicants must pass a criminal record check and baseline personnel security standard checks, as the role involves working with government assets. The vacancy is broadly open to UK nationals, Irish nationals, Commonwealth citizens with the right to work in the UK, eligible EU/Swiss/Norway/Iceland/Liechtenstein nationals and their family members with settled or pre-settled status or a valid EUSS application, certain individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020, and Turkish nationals and certain family members with accrued Civil Service work rights.

The Civil Service recruitment process is based on merit and fair, open competition. The role is covered by the Civil Service Code, equal opportunities principles, the Disability Confident Scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria, and wider diversity and inclusion commitments. It is also linked to the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

Contact and additional information

To discuss shift patterns, contact Joanna Glasper on joanna.glasper@justice.gov.uk or 01522 663 377, available Monday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

For recruitment enquiries, contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team at moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk or 0345 241 5358.

Applicants are reminded that artificial intelligence may be used only as a support tool, and all content submitted must be truthful, accurate, and based on personal experience. Misrepresentation or plagiarism may result in withdrawal of the application and possible disciplinary action for internal candidates.

Complaints about recruitment process breaches should be raised first with SSCL. If the role was advertised externally and the response is unsatisfactory, the matter may be escalated to the Civil Service Commission. The role advertisement may be removed once closed, so saving a copy for personal records is recommended.