[ref. d22242818] Chef-HMP Thameside - London

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

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.

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.