Cook/Caterer

Job Introduction

As a working prison, HMP Northumberland work towards the resettlement of prisoners upon their release into the community and their integration into society through the skills acquired while in our care. We are committed to supporting people to change their lives for the better and lead law-abiding lives. HMP Northumberland offers a variety of initiatives and programmes to help prisoners engage within the prison’s rehabilitative culture. This includes various educational and vocational qualifications, as well as a variety of opportunities for residents to learn new skills within our workshops and industries departments. We have textile, engineering and electrical workshops and can offer prisoners experience in horticulture, market gardens, waste management and laundry services on site.

Sodexo is currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate Cook to work within HMP Northumberland. The key responsibilities include preparing meals and instructing kitchen prisoners in the process, adhering to approved recipes and menus to accommodate a diverse population. It is also essential to maintain cleanliness, ensuring that food premises are kept clean and well-maintained to uphold high standards of sanitation and hygiene. Supervising cleaning activities is another crucial aspect, overseeing kitchen prisoners to maintain safety, health, and security standards. Additionally, thorough inspections of received goods are conducted to ensure compliance with safety regulations

Main Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with HACCP and food safety standards are adhered to for all food storage and preparation.
• Ensure all food is prepared and handled in accordance with food safety standards.
• Report any defective equipment to ensure repairs are processed efficiently.
• Ensure prisoners comply with cleaning procedures and stock rotation.
• Ensure all prisoners and visitors adhere to Sodexo Health & Safety procedures and the Food Safety Act 1990.
• Instruct and oversee the daily workload of prisoners.
• Maintain liaison with all other departments within the establishment.
• Conduct food service spot checks to ensure all food legislation and portion control is adhered to.
• Perform any other duties that are assigned for the development of the establishment.

Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements.

The Ideal Candidate

• Up to date knowledge of Food Safety Standards.
• Experience and training in Allergen Awareness to current legislation.
• Awareness of Calorie Counts within a variety of menus.
• Suitable catering qualifications for example City & Guilds 7061/7062 or equivalent NVQ level.
• Intermediate level of food hygiene certificate.
• Experience in ‘bulk’ catering or catering for large numbers.
• The ability to support the Director in delivering an effective and efficient catering service. 
• Ability to work as part of a team and as an individual. 

Package Description
Salary up to £24,336.00 per annum.

Working Hours - 39.00 hours (Regular Monday – Friday pattern).

All offers are subject to full security clearance checks. 

About The Company  

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.
We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

To be considered for an interview you must:

• have a disability defined by the Equality Act 2010.
• provide evidence in your application that you meet the minimum criteria in the job description.
• meet all of the qualifications, skills or experience defined as essential