Bank Chef

At Bath & North East Somerset Council, we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives. We are seeking creative, enthusiastic, and flexible Chefs to join our team on a bank/casual basis, providing cover across our six sites in Bath, Keynsham, and Midsomer Norton. This role supports our catering service during periods of staff leave, absences, or busy times by covering vacancies and ensuring the smooth operation of our kitchens.

As a bank/casual chef, you can work flexibly, selecting shifts that suit your availability. Whether you’re available for occasional days, longer-term bookings, or evening and weekend shifts, this role offers flexibility to fit around your lifestyle. However, please note that as this is a bank/casual role, shifts are not guaranteed.

As a Bank Chef, you will ensure the effective running of our catering service in the absence of regular staff. You will be based at one of our Community Resource Centres (CRCs) or Extra Care Housing (ECH) sites. You must be confident in managing a kitchen independently, with responsibilities including:

• Ordering and taking delivery of produce.
• Supervising kitchen staff.
• Maintaining records and ensuring hygiene standards are upheld.
• Delivering high-quality catering to meet the needs of residents.

We provide uniforms and support to ensure you feel equipped to deliver exceptional service.

Community Resource Centres (CRCs) operate two care homes located in Bath and Midsomer Norton. These homes serve between 30 and 45 residents and provide vital care services for older, vulnerable adults with a variety of disabilities, including dementia.

Extra Care Housing (ECH) operates four Extra Care Housing, also known as Assisted Living, which is a type of retirement housing for older individuals who can live independently but require assistance with certain tasks. These facilities are staffed 24/7, offering care, support, and help with household chores in a safe and supportive environment.

We are looking for chefs/cooks with:

• Minimum Level 2 qualification in professional cookery, catering, and hospitality (or equivalent).
• Level 2 Food Safety certificate.
• Intermediate Food Hygiene certificate.
• First Aid training.
• Experience in professional catering kitchens, including banqueting and large-scale catering.
• Strong understanding of kitchen equipment and operations.
• Knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety standards, and stock control processes.
• Familiarity with the dietary needs of specific groups, such as the elderly.
• Excellent prioritisation skills to manage tasks and meet catering demands.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with a non-judgmental and empathetic approach.

We deliver services to a high standard—the standard we expect for ourselves and our families. Our working environment values high-quality support, compassion, and teamwork, and we ensure these qualities are respected and rewarded.

If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Zoltan Simko, Hospitality Services Manager, Zoltan_Simko@BATHNES.GOV.UK or call 01225395254.

Interview date: TBC. This is a rolling advert – applications will be checked weekly, and we will shortlist and interview on a rolling basis.

Working at Bath & North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us.

Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.