382 jobs in Ministry Of Justice

Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent

Region

East Midlands

Closing Date

08-Jul-2026

Business Unit

Post Type

Permanent

Other

Number of jobs available

3

Reserve List

12 Months

Job ID

18965

This vacancy is for various working patterns across the 3 APs mentioned

Merit List may be utilised for other working patterns and sites mentioned in this advert/ or Midlands APs

Working patters may include:

Annualised hour working pattern. For either 625 or 1250 hours per year, the equivalent of one or two 12 hour shifts each week and are a mix of standard and unsocial hours.

Fulltime Peripatetic Residential Worker- where successful candidates will be required to undertake reasonable travel in order to cover shifts at Approved Premises sites within the locality of their cluster.

Fulltime/ Part time Residential Worker vacancies where successful candidates will be allocated to one Approved Premise to undertake their shift pattern.

Please note: RW staff members cannot move across to another band 3 such as PSO as the job descriptions are different.

Please only apply if you have flexibility to work at any AP mentioned and any working pattern mentioned. This will be discussed at interview stage.

The job holder will work as part of a team providing 24 hour cover at an Approved Premises (AP) including security and monitoring services.The job holder will undertake a full range of work with the people on probation whilst resident at the Approved Premises. This will include; providing support in contributing to the risk management and sentence plan objectives and reporting any significant changes relating to risk and/or re-offending to any non-compliance within agreed enforcement procedures to ensure that people on probation resident at an AP and the fabric of it are kept safe and secure throughout their shift.

The job holder will assist in the well-being and supervision of residents, maintaining discipline, adherence to Approved Premises rules, licence conditions, sentence plan objectives specific to residency in the Approved Premises and court orders. In addition, will contribute to the management of residents’ risk.This post will involve substantial out of hours work, both waking night duty and weekend work. The post holder may be required to cover duties at other Approved Premises at times of staff absence.

In line with PS policies and procedures, the job holder must at all times demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and an understanding of their relevance to the work they do.

The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position.

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• Contribute to effective team practice, communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues to ensure consistency of work practices and positive working environment.
• Effectively communicate key risk issues to colleagues at handover and throughout the shift.It will also, at times, require communicating with Offender Managers, Stand-by Manager and partner agencies e.g. Police, Health professionals and drug/alcohol services.
• Undertake regular inspections of the building, including cellars and grounds throughout the period of duty, recording any occurrences/damage or defects, and monitor CCTV equipment.
• Maintain an active presence in the AP at all times. Regularly engage with residents in a pro-social manner. Contribute towards the protection of the residents through observation to ensure adherence to their risk management plans and general wellbeing.
• Actively engage with and monitor behaviour of high risk residents and motivate residents to ensure compliance.Challenge and manage appropriately abusive or aggressive behaviour.
• Contribute to the risk management plans of residents by observing and reporting any significant changes relating to risk and/or re-offending to any non-compliance within agreed enforcement procedures.
• Contribute to the sentence plan objectives of the residents through active engagement in purposeful activities as agreed by the AP Manager and Offender Manager.
• Ensure that the AP is locked and secure during curfew period.Confirm the presence and wellbeing of all residents overnight.
• Facilitate the function of the AP as a first/emergency point of contact out of hours.
• Through observation and/or engagement with residents, provide accurate information, analysis of situation and risk assessment to the Offender Manager and/or escalate to Out of Hours Manager, which may lead to enforcement and/or compliance with court orders, licences, AP rules.
• Support, create and maintain a safe working environment for staff, residents and visitors by adhering to Health and Safety legislation, ensuring Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) and Risk Assessments are followed reporting incidents to Manager.
• Undertake Health and Safety, fire alarm, curfews and room curfew checks in line with procedures.
• Undertake pre-arranged or initiate room searches based on concerns around risk.
• Pack up residents’ possessions as directed.
• Set up and/or deliver purposeful activities linked to residents’ sentence plan objectives as agreed by the Offender Manager and AP Manager.
• Undertake effective induction of residents.
• Follow prescribed medication procedures including the issuing of medication to residents and both weekly and nightly audit of medication sheets.
• To carry out drug and alcohol tests in line with risk management plan which may include times when job holder believes that the resident may be under the influence and therefore increase in risk.
• Undertake First Aid if a resident is injured or self-harms.
• Maintain Approved Premises records and files as required, including data entry as necessary and contribute to the completion of incident reports.
• Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the PS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Deal with visitors and telephone calls, and monitor the work of visiting contractors in accordance with health and safety.
• Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro-social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
• To work within the aims and values of PS and HMPPS.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.

• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others
• Delivering at Pace

• Experience of working with a diverse range of people who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties.

• Minimum 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above (including English and Maths), or equivalent qualification, or relevant work experience with the ability to evidence high level numeracy and literacy skills required to read, understand and interpret policies and the ability to write reports and correspondence for internal and external stakeholders.
• IT Skills: Microsoft: Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

37

Additional payments are made for working unsocial hours.

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working.Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the HMPPS’ Flexible Working policy.

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays.Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis

The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).Please visit for further information.

Please note: Any current Civil Servant who is a member of the PCSPS, by accepting an offer of employment to the National Probation Services will be opted out of the PCSPS and auto enrolled into the Local Government Pension Scheme.

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

• A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on or Childcare Choices .You can determine your eligibility at .
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

The Ministry of Justice in Newcastle-under-Lyme is seeking dedicated individuals for roles providing security and monitoring services at Approved Premises. The job involves working as part of a team to maintain the safety and well-being of residents.

Successful candidates will engage with individuals on probation, ensuring adherence to court orders and supporting their rehabilitation. The role requires flexibility for various shifts and an understanding of risk management.

Application deadline is 08-Jul-2026. This role offers opportunities for personal and professional growth within a supportive environment.

Ministry of Justice is looking for an administrative staff member to support the Security Intelligence Department, ensuring an effective intelligence system. Key responsibilities include analysing intelligence information, producing reports, and liaising with various stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills and the ability to manage records accurately. This role may offer hybrid working arrangements in the UK, depending on business needs.

Summary

This is an administrative role providing support to the Security Intelligence Department and assisting the Head of Security in delivering an effective intelligence system within the establishment.

• Analyse and evaluate intelligence information to support and inform decision‑making in the prevention of security breaches and management of incidents.
• Produce a monthly Intelligence Report and disseminate it as required, collating feedback before presenting the report at the monthly Security meeting.
• Regularly update line management regarding local security issues and any intelligence received.
• Maintain and update the security intelligence system, ensuring staff receive required training.
• Check received security information, determine its importance, and recommend responses and solutions.
• Collate and distribute monthly targets for searching and mandatory drug tests to all residential units.
• Deliver in‑house training in intelligence‑related procedures, including induction for new staff and ongoing sessions.
• Liaise with other establishments, law‑enforcement groups and external agencies to disseminate intelligence and SIR information in line with local and national policies.
• Provide advice and guidance to the Security Manager on current trends and issues, including monitoring targets under the local supply reduction and extremism policies.
• Monitor RIPA, CHIS procedures and other relevant policies, audit standards, LSS, IOCCO requirements.
• Monitor prisoner communications in line with relevant standards and policies.
• Support the Corruption Prevention Manager in detecting staff wrongdoing and preventing crime.
• Act as liaison for the BRENT secure fax and as point of contact for ViSOR issues.
• Liaise with external stakeholders regarding Counter‑Terrorism and Extremism.
• Interview prisoners when intelligence indicates potential extremist bullying or requests for security discussion relating to the CTU.
• Brief and liaise with residential units regarding covert testing.
• Compile and keep up to date subject profiles on TACT prisoners and analytical reports on incidents or individuals.
• Assess seized items for extremist content and compile reports on TACT or security‑threat group prisoners.

• Organise, produce and maintain accurate records for the area of work.
• Act as contact point for all communications to the team, prioritise and distribute to the appropriate person or department.
• Complete monitoring returns for the area of work.
• Input requisitions on the finance database for purchases.
• Co‑ordinate awareness sessions for the area of work.
• Prepare paperwork for checking by the manager and conduct initial checks as required.
• Correspond with stakeholders and agencies to ensure adequate information sharing.
• Maintain and check establishment databases, manual filing systems and logs of information within required timescales, producing reports as required.
• Collate information on relevant Service Delivery Indicators (SDIs).
• Arrange meetings, including preparation of paperwork, minutes and action points.

• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions

• Ability to deal effectively and assertively with staff at all levels.
• Proficient user of MS Word and MS Excel.
• Information collation and analysis.
• Complete specific training in the administrative specialism upon taking up the post.
• Assessment to demonstrate suitability to work with young people if transferred to a Young People establishment.

Unsocial hours (outside 0700‑1900hrs Monday‑Friday, evenings, nights, weekends and Bank/Public Holidays) will be compensated with an additional allowance at the current approved organisation rate.

The role may offer hybrid working arrangements where business needs allow. The candidate must be based in the UK. Sites may include the MoJ office location, nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office, depending on pre‑employment checks.

We are an equal opportunities employer and comply with all relevant disability, veteran and nationality requirements.

• Disability: The MoJ is a Disability Confident employer and may offer reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process.
• Veterans: The “Making the Civil Service a Great Place to Work” initiative provides a guaranteed interview scheme for former members of the Armed Forces.
• Nationality: Eligible groups include: UK nationals; nationals of the Republic of Ireland; nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK; nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein (with settled or pre‑settled status) and qualifying family members; Turkish nationals and relevant family members; individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 Dec 2020.

Ministry of Justice is seeking a dedicated kitchen professional to support the prison catering team in North East England. You will prepare, cook and present nutritious meals for inmates, while supervising and training offenders to develop cooking skills and qualifications for post-release employment.

The role involves leading a professional industrial kitchen, maintaining food safety, and managing stock and records.

Job Overview

As part of the prison’s catering team, you’ll work in a professional industrial kitchen environment, preparing and cooking quality, nutritious meals for the entire prison. The role also supports offenders in developing culinary skills, gaining qualifications and reducing the likelihood of reoffending when they leave prison.

• Oversee the preparation and cooking of meals for the prison population.
• Supervise offenders and ensure they adhere to kitchen health, safety and hygiene standards.
• Maintain a clean, hygienic and safe industrial kitchen.
• Support offenders in learning new skills and working towards obtaining qualifications.
• Assist with the planning and execution of menus, ensuring nutritional requirements are met.

Work a 37‑hour week with shift patterns that may include hours outside 7 am–7 pm, weekends and public holidays. You will receive a 20% unsocial hours payment in addition to basic pay, subject to working these hours.

All roles are open to part‑time and job‑share arrangements subject to business needs.

Band 3 salary minimum (inclusive of unsocial hours allowance) – £34,928
Band 3 salary maximum (inclusive of unsocial hours allowance) – £36,778

• Level 2 certificate in food production within hospitality and catering or equivalent.
• Level 2 food hygiene certificate.
• Familiarity with current health, safety and hygiene regulations for kitchen work.
• Competency in an industrial kitchen environment.
• Proficient spoken English.

Refresh food safety (HACCP) training is required at three‑year intervals.

Hybrid working is available where business needs allow, blending work from your base location, other MoJ sites or from home. Some roles may not suit hybrid working. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate and subject to regular review.

• Civil Service pension scheme.
• Annual leave accrual with pro‑rated leave for part‑time arrangements.
• 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) of bank, public and privilege holidays added to annual leave.
• Eligibility for a season ticket advance after two months’ service.

Successful applicants need to be 18 years old or older. The role is broadly open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth nationals with right to work in the UK, EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein nationals and their eligible family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS, and other specified groups.

All external candidates are subject to security, identity checks and a six‑month probation period. Internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not previously served a probationary period within HMPPS.

Overview of the Job

This is a non‑operational instructional job in an establishment.

The job holder will be responsible for the day‑to‑day maintenance, harvesting and cultivating of the establishment’s gardens, ensuring protected cropping is grown and harvested to the highest standards and assess accredited vocational qualifications to prisoners.

• Maintain correct field‑scale soil husbandry, ensuring all stages of crop development are followed in accordance with good horticultural practice.
• Maintain the growing plant/crop to ensure optimum development and/or cropping, ensuring that the plants needs are fully met.
• Maintain effective biological pest control measures and any necessary chemical crop protection programmes.
• Resolve any prisoner work issues, setting task to match their ability whilst ensuring safety and production is maintained at all times.
• Ensure produce grown on‑site is prepared and packaged appropriately, taking into consideration appropriate labelling, grading and overall presentation.
• Maintain sports fields as per agreed plan with both the Farms and Gardens Manager and PE Department.
• Carry out preventative pest control measures across area of responsibility.

• May participate in the selection process of prisoners for the workshop/area of work.
• Induct prisoners to the workshop/area of work and train them in aspects such as Health and Safety, Control of Substance Hazardous to health (COSHH), machinery and tools usage.
• Provide support for prisoners where required; tailor learning and training requirements to individual needs.
• Set work schedules and manage targets/quality standards, maintaining delivery of contractual arrangements.
• Assess and evaluate skills of prisoners up to national qualification standards.
• Supervise and maintain discipline of prisoners within workshop/area of work, responsible for performance, motivation, discipline, appraisal and development of prisoners.
• Maintain regular communications via radio net in accordance with Local Security Strategy (LSS).
• Open and complete Assessment Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) forms, Violence Reduction Incident Reports (VRIR) and Security Information Reports (SIRs) when required and contribute to Incentive Earned Privileges (IEP) reports.
• Will conduct a metal detector scan or rub down search of prisoners attending and leaving their own workshops.
• Provide quality assurance against product specification.
• Log attendance and approve prisoner hours worked and wages including recording piece work where appropriate.
• Carry out fabric and tool checks of workshops and maintain security of areas, logging any tool/equipment faults. Undertake planned maintenance programme on machinery.
• Contribute to prisoner reports including parole and sentence planning.
• Complete regime monitoring information and update prisoner training records.
• Contribute to Health and Safety risk assessments relating to the workshop/work of area and specialist areas.
• Request materials and estimate usage in order to meet work targets.
• Initiate product development reviews to maintain workshop/area of work output levels, and to provide variety of work and experience for prisoners.
• Participate in self‑audit and in achieving Service Delivery Indicators (SDIs).
• Complete administration activities to support the smooth running of the workshop.

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Developing Self and Others
• Must have experience in a supervisory role.
• Must be conversant with soil and growing medium husbandry, crop protection, crop production technology, plant protection technology options, preparation of fresh produce for sale, including: grading, labelling and presentation.
• Should have experience of using industrial standard machinery and equipment.

• Staff must hold a Level 3 qualification in horticulture or a recognised horticultural industry equivalent, or be trained to the appropriate level within two years.
• Holding PA2 and PA6 pesticide qualifications would be a requirement.
• Must have current knowledge of all relevant Health and Safety and Control of Substance Hazardous to health (COSHH) regulations.
• May be required to be an accredited Assessor.
• Must hold a full current United Kingdom (UK) driving license to enable tractor and other vehicle driving operations in the course of the post holder’s duties, in addition to prisoner instruction duties on farm vehicles.
• When transferring to a Young Persons establishment the job holder will be required to successfully undertake an assessment to demonstrate suitability to work with Young People.

• IT Skills
• Basic Maths
• Basic English

No specific unsocial hours information provided.

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and/or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre‑employment checks.

Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the HMPPS’ Flexible Working policy.

If you are a current NPS employee, this vacancy may be available on a Loan basis for up to 2 years. Applications are invited from suitable qualified staff. The Loan/Secondment is subject to the approval of the selected candidate's Business Unit, which should be obtained before confirmation of appointment.

The holiday year runs from 1 March. If you work a non‑standard work pattern your leave entitlement may be expressed in either hours or days as appropriate. Leave entitlement is calculated on a pro‑rata basis and you will be advised of your actual entitlement on appointment. If you were appointed internally and your leave was previously calculated in days, this will continue to be the case.

You are entitled to 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) in recognition of bank, public and privilege holidays. These hours are added to your annual leave allowance. There is a requirement to work some public and bank holidays subject to your shift pattern and the operational needs of the establishment.

The Civil Service offers a choice of two pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) is keen to encourage alternative working arrangements. Work life balance provides greater opportunities for staff to work more flexibly wherever managers and establishments can accommodate requests to do so. HMPPS offers flexible working subject to completion of a satisfactory probationary period and NVQ.

After two months’ service, you’ll be eligible to apply for a season ticket advance to purchase a quarterly or longer‑period season ticket for travel between home and your place of work.

HMPPS is committed to staff development and offers a range of training and development opportunities, including areas such as Equality and Diversity, Dealing with Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention and Anti‑Bullying Programmes.

All staff receive security and diversity training and an individual induction programme into their new roles. All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post. All external candidates are subject to 6 months probation. Internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not already served a probationary period within HMPPS.

Interview Dates

Expected: Early August

The Quality Development Officer (QDO) is a specialist Probation Officer role within the Regional Performance and Quality Team, responsible for supporting the development of high‑quality probation practice across the London Region. The post holder leads and contributes to quality assurance and improvement activities, including audits, analysis, design and delivery of quality development workshops, coaching and targeted support to staff. By using evidence from audits, inspections and case reviews, the QDO helps drive continuous improvement, strengthen professional practice and promote positive outcomes for people on probation and victims. The role does not carry line management responsibilities but plays a key role in influencing and supporting practice excellence across the organisation.

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non‑contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and/or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. The arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to an MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre‑employment checks.

Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding unpaid breaks. The MoJ welcomes part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ Flexible Working policy.

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays. Leave for part‑time and job‑share posts will be calculated on a pro‑rata basis.

Pension

The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). Please visit for further information.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks

Employees can join employee‑run networks designed to provide advice and support and enable the views of minority groups to be expressed directly to senior management. Networks exist for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees and LGBTQ+ employees.

Support

• A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• Eligibility for childcare voucher and alternative government childcare support schemes. Further information can be found on or Childcare Choices (
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post.

• Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma / Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice.
• Or a qualification recognised at the time of qualification by the Secretary of State for Justice as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007.
• Acceptable qualifications previously recognised include:
  • Diploma in Probation Studies
  • Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option)
  • CQSW (with Probation Option)

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS.
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020.
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service.

Descriptions & requirements

This is not your average catering job. It is a great chance to put your catering qualifications and skills into practice and make an impact far beyond the kitchen.

As part of the prison’s catering team, you’ll be working in a professional industrial kitchen environment, with a good salary, pension and Civil Service benefits including apprenticeship opportunities ‘earn while you learn’. Unlike traditional restaurant jobs, you won’t have to work late into the evening.

You’ll oversee the work of offenders to prepare and cook quality, nutritional meals for the entire prison. Plus, you’ll play your part in helping them turn their lives around – supporting them to learn new skills and work towards gaining qualifications to increase their chances of employment and reduce their likelihood of reoffending when they leave prison.

You will work a 37 hour week and shift patterns are in place which include hours outside of 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays. You will receive a 20% unsocial hours payment in addition to your basic pay, subject to working these hours.

All roles can be open to part-time and job share arrangements subject to the business need/operational requirement. However, you will still be required to undertake the full range of shifts. As a new recruit, you will start on the minimum salary.

• Band 4 salary minimum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance – £41,328
• Band 4 salary maximum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance – £41,328

• Level 2 certificate in food production within hospitality and catering or equivalent
• Food hygiene certificate at Level 2
• Working towards a relevant vocational qualification at Level 3 or already hold formal qualifications in catering e.g. City and Guilds 7061/7062 or NVQ Level 3

In addition, you must be:

• Familiar with all current health, safety and hygiene related regulations for working in a kitchen
• Able to demonstrate competency within an industrial kitchen environment.
• Able to demonstrate team leadership experience
• Able to speak with confidence in English

Please note refresher training in food safety (HACCP) should be completed at three year intervals.

• Developing Self and Others
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working together
• Leadership

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the HMPPS’ Flexible Working policy.

If you are a current NPS employee, this vacancy may be available on a Loan basis for up to 2 years. Applications are invited from suitable qualified staff. The Loan/Secondment is subject to the approval of the selected candidate's Business Unit, which should be obtained before confirmation of appointment.

You are entitled to 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) in recognition of bank, public and privilege holidays. These hours are added to your annual leave allowance. There is a requirement to work some public and bank holidays subject to your shift pattern and the operational needs of the establishment.

The Civil Service offers a choice of two pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) is keen to encourage alternative working arrangements. Work life balance provides greater opportunities for staff to work more flexibly wherever managers and establishments can accommodate requests to do so. HMPPS offers flexible working subject to completion of a satisfactory probationary period and NVQ.

After two months’ service, you’ll be eligible to apply for a season ticket advance to purchase a quarterly or longer‑period season ticket for travel between home and your place of work.

HMPPS is committed to staff development and offers a range of training and development opportunities, including areas such as Equality and Diversity, Dealing with Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention and Anti Bullying Programmes.

There are opportunities to access promotion programmes and HMPPS provides a variety of training appropriate to individual posts.

All staff receive security and diversity training and an individual induction programme into their new roles.

All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post.

All external candidates are subject to 6 months probation. Internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not already served a probationary period within HMPPS.

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post. All external candidates are subject to 6 months probation. Internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not already served a probationary period within HMPPS.

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.