Catering Assistant

Catering Assistant – Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre

Company: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency

Location: Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre, Twinwoods Business Park, Thurleigh Road, Milton Ernest, Bedford, MK44 1FD

Salary: £27,315.14 per annum plus excellent benefits

Job Type: Full-Time, Regular (3 days on / 3 days off shift pattern, 12-hour shifts: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)

Job ID: 309235

Ready to impact a better future?

Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to partner with essential public service providers to connect dedicated hospitality professionals with meaningful, stable careers. We are currently recruiting a compassionate Catering Assistant to join the team at Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre.

In this busy kitchen environment, you will play an important role in delivering nutritious, high-quality, and culturally appropriate meals that support the wellbeing of individuals during a challenging period in their lives.

What You’ll Do

As a Catering Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

• Food Preparation: Support chefs with food prep for diverse menus, accommodating special dietary and cultural requirements.

• Hygiene & Safety: Maintain high standards of food safety, cleanliness, and hygiene across the entire kitchen environment.

• Stock & Waste Management: Safely receive, store, and manage food deliveries, inventory, and waste disposal.

• Compliance & Auditing: Record food production and kitchen data in line with HACCP regulations, allergen controls, and audit requirements.

• Kitchen Support: Assist with quality checks and hospitality services as required while adhering strictly to safety, safeguarding, and security protocols.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience: Previous experience working in a catering, kitchen, or fast-paced food service environment is preferred but not essential. Looking for more consistency away from anti-social pub hours? This is a great opportunity.

• Certifications: Food Safety Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, and knowledge of HACCP/allergen management, are desirable (willingness to train will be considered).

• Core Skills: Strong teamwork, basic computer skills, reliable approach, and positive communication skills.

Vetting and Checks

Due to the secure nature of this site, a vetting process is required before employment can commence (typically taking 4 to 6 weeks). Dispensation may be applied at discretion once a DBS check is obtained.

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay: £27,315.14 per annum.

• Perks & Meals: Free lunch and dinner supplied on-site by the kitchen during shifts.

• Leave Package: 20 days’ holiday plus benefits.

• Pension Scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.

• Training & Development: Fully funded apprenticeships focused on Catering during work hours.

• Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 24/7 virtual GP service, 30% off managed leisure centres, and gym discounts at Bedford Gym & Swim.

• Discounts: Retail savings across 1,000+ brands, Blue Light Card eligibility, and supermarket discounts (e.g., 4% off at Tesco).