Chef-HMP Thameside

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.