Chef

Be part of something greater.
  • Job reference: SDX/TP/1956626/153797
  • Location: HMP Forest Bank, Agecroft Road, Salford, M27 8FB
  • Job type: Full Time - 40 hours per week
  • Salary: £26,883.71 per annum
  • Closing date: 24 February 2026
Apply now
Map displaying job location
Logo for Chef role

About the role

Chef at HMP Forest Bank

Location:

HMP Forest Bank
Hours: 40 hours per week

HMP Forest Bank is recruiting a Chef to support catering services within a prison environment. This role combines large-scale food production with the supervision, training and development of residents, helping to improve skills, employability, and reduce re offending.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in the preparation and cooking of meals for up to 1,400 residents, twice daily

  • Ensure all food is prepared and handled in line with food safety, allergen, and health & safety legislation

  • Supervise, instruct, and manage the daily workload of prisoners in the kitchen

  • Support residents to achieve Food Safety Level 2 and NVQ Level 1 & 2 Catering qualifications

  • Ensure cleaning standards, stock rotation, portion control, and meal timescales are met

  • Maintain secure receipt, storage, and issue of food and equipment, including knife control (training provided)

  • Complete required paperwork and liaise with other departments as needed

  • Maintain high standards of security, safety, and behaviour at all times

Essential Criteria

  • City & Guilds 7132/06–07 or 706/2 (or equivalent)

  • Experience in industrial or large scale catering

  • Good communication skills and a flexible, motivated approach

  • Interest in rehabilitation and resettlement of offenders

  • Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

  • Ability to obtain security clearance and DBS check

Desirable

  • Experience working with challenging behaviour

  • Experience in a prison, forces, or similar environment

  • Experience supporting disadvantaged groups or young offenders

Whilst the ideal candidate would fit into the above criteria, we would implore applicants with the relevant transferrable skills to apply for this role, as you may still be a great fit!

Why Join Us?

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. Sodexo’s vision for HMP Altcourse is to develop a safe, stable, and progressive environment with modern facilities dedicated to reducing re-offending and enabling individuals to fulfil their potential. Every aspect of the prison is designed to help prisoners make meaningful progress in their sentence and personal development goals within a surrounding culture of rehabilitation.

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions. And for that you’ll receive an excellent benefits package including access to gym facilities on site and a Blue Light card.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 and can be the best versions of themselves.

If you have the ambition to build a successful career and the people skills to build successful relationships, apply now for a career that’s too good to miss.

job.

File Downloads

Apply Now

KEY BENEFITS

  • Advice and guidance

    Get help with legal, financial, personal or work issues whenever you need it.
  • Pension Plan

    Save effectively for your future when you join the Sodexo Pension Plan.
  • Wellbeing support

    Unlimited access to online support for your mental health, 24/7.
  • Generous leave

    For holidays, care needs or major life events, we’ll help you rest and recharge.
  • Discounts and savings

    Enjoy great deals from leading retailers and use our Bike to Work scheme
  • Virtual GP

    24-hour access to video or phone consultations for you and your family.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At our company, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Roles at Sodexo are designed to empower individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an environment that values equity and supports the growth of all employees, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from our collective success.

Social Impact

Ever since we started, we’ve had a clear purpose – to do some good in our communities through helping people. Today, that purpose is still a huge part of who we are. And every one of our colleagues helps that happen.

We’re committed to volunteering our time, resources, skills and knowledge – more than 50% of colleagues contribute to thousands of volunteer hours every year. And our Charitable Foundation has now donated over £9 million to charities and good causes across the country.

Learn more

Map showing location of HMP Forest Bank, Agecroft Road, Salford, M27 8FB, United Kingdom, M27 8FB
HMP Forest Bank, Agecroft Road, Salford, M27 8FB, United Kingdom, M27 8FB

Justice Careers Stories

Register your interest

Join us at Sodexo and explore the exciting career opportunities we offer! Whether you're interested in hospitality, facilities management, or food services, we invite you to set up a profile and become part of our vibrant team.

Set up a profile now

Related Vacancies

View all vacancies
  • Chef

    Category
    Food Service/Catering
    Location
    Leyland
    Salary
    £13.21 per hour plus Sodexo Benefits
    View details
  • Chef

    Category
    Food Service/Catering
    Location
    Shrewsbury
    Salary
    £13.50 per hour plus Sodexo Benefits
    View details
  • Chef

    Category
    Food Service/Catering
    Location
    Carterton
    Salary
    £12.92 Per hour
    View details
  • Chef

    Category
    Food Service/Catering
    Location
    Thatcham
    Salary
    £14.00 per hour
    View details
  • Chef

    Category
    Food Service/Catering
    Location
    Heathrow Airport T4
    Salary
    £15.50 per hour
    View details
  • Chef

    Category
    Food Service/Catering
    Location
    Salisbury
    Salary
    £12.61 per hour
    View details