Working for MOJ - Non ops

[21TonyK]

Anyone have any comments? A job has come up very local to me working for the Ministry of Justice in a prison. Its a non-operational role running the catering etc

I currently do something similar for schools so I'm used to working for a local authority, paperwork, rules and too a degree can put up with the bureaucracy!

Where I am there is probably little scope for further progression, i'm top of scale with a teachers pension and near as 100% secure as you can get.

To make it worth me moving I would have to go in at the very top of the MOJ advertised scale for the post and for there to be definate progression in the short term.

Is that realistic in the MOJ?

[95JO]

21TonyK said:

Anyone have any comments? A job has come up very local to me working for the Ministry of Justice in a prison. Its a non-operational role running the catering etc

I currently do something similar for schools so I'm used to working for a local authority, paperwork, rules and too a degree can put up with the bureaucracy!

Where I am there is probably little scope for further progression, i'm top of scale with a teachers pension and near as 100% secure as you can get.

To make it worth me moving I would have to go in at the very top of the MOJ advertised scale for the post and for there to be definate progression in the short term.

Is that realistic in the MOJ?

Speaking from experience of working in a few Government departments, it is very unlikely you'll be offered the higher end of the scale. Basically, everyone starts at the minimum and you get a small pay rise each year. There are a few exceptions to this for 'specialist' roles (e.g. Highly technical/analytical roles).

But I must admit, I have never worked for MoJ, so don't let that put you off - Just mention it at interview (if you get one) or wait until they give you an offer, counter-offer with the higher salary (this may work out better as they will have already turned down other applicants etc).

[edthefed]

Might be MoJ now....but in no time you could end up being an employee of G4S /Serco etx who reckon they can do a better job at less cost??

[edthefed]

Might be MoJ now....but in no time you could end up being an employee of G4S /Serco etx who reckon they can do a better job at less cost??

[Countdown]

21TonyK said:

Anyone have any comments? A job has come up very local to me working for the Ministry of Justice in a prison. Its a non-operational role running the catering etc

I currently do something similar for schools so I'm used to working for a local authority, paperwork, rules and too a degree can put up with the bureaucracy!

Where I am there is probably little scope for further progression, i'm top of scale with a teachers pension and near as 100% secure as you can get.

To make it worth me moving I would have to go in at the very top of the MOJ advertised scale for the post and for there to be definate progression in the short term.

Is that realistic in the MOJ?

Hi Tony - I worked for a different part of MoJ a long time ago. I’m surprised that the Prisons still directly employ their own catering staff - the HO / NOMS / MoJ were mad keen on contracting everything out and (IIRC) Sodexho were the favoured ones for picking up catering contracts (who btw were a complete bunch of shysters in relation to invoicing...)

If you ARE employed directly by the Prison and it’s not a private prison then you’ll have a decent pension, probably final salary or CARE at the very least. Not as good as a Teachers pension but still pretty good.

In terms of entry, you’ll be on the bottom of scale unless (a) You can demonstrate a LOT of relevant experience or (b) they’re desperate and the other candidates aren’t appointable. Even if you get in at top of scale there would not be progression above that UNLESS you asked for a Job Evaluation.

Also If you’re currently working in a schools environment then you might enjoy the less stressful working conditions in a high security prison (I’m only partly joking )

[21TonyK]

Thanks all. Sounds like it might not be a great idea, where I am is pretty idyllic. I get to set my own hours, I have free reign over budgets etc

I'm going to apply anyway even if its just to keep my hand in outside of DOE.

(As an aside, would MOJ be prepared to wait 3 months for me?, that's my minimum notice)

[number2]

21TonyK said:

Thanks all. Sounds like it might not be a great idea, where I am is pretty idyllic. I get to set my own hours, I have free reign over budgets etc

I'm going to apply anyway even if its just to keep my hand in outside of DOE.

(As an aside, would MOJ be prepared to wait 3 months for me?, that's my minimum notice)

If they offer you the job then 3 months is how long they'd have to wait for you - I wouldn't think it an issue.

Re. pay: negotiate when offered the role. I think it unlikely you wouldn't get what you asked for within the range.

[BoRED S2upid]

edthefed said:

Might be MoJ now....but in no time you could end up being an employee of G4S /Serco etx who reckon they can do a better job at less cost??

This.

It sounds like a role that could easily be outsourced and costs reduced.

[21TonyK]

Well it took them some time to get back to me but I have an interview in a couple of weeks.

Be interesting to see what they are actually offering.

Only downside so far... dug out my one "reasonable" suit to find it has moth holes in the back of the jacket

It's 12 years since I last wore it so maybe time for a new one!