Cook - Bank

For over 60 years, Abbeyfield has been a charity that provides housing and care for elderly people across the UK. Best of all, we’re a charity, meaning that the interests of our valued staff and residents sit at the heart of what we do, not shareholders.

Location: Abbeyfield House, 120 Moss Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 1EE

Pay: £13.24 p/h

The Role of Cook - This is a casual (bank) position. As a Cook, you’ll have a relevant Certificate in Food Hygiene, or be prepared to obtain one within the first three months in the role. Equally, you will have demonstrable experience of cooking varied, healthy and safe meals to large groups (twelve or more, and sometimes up to 20), on a regular basis.

You’ll also have the ability to communicate and interact well with people, and work productively as part of a team. In a modern working environment, naturally you need to be able to read and write to a good standard. You’ll be methodical and highly organised; your kitchen and equipment will be kept clean and tidy, with an effective method of stock rotation. Finally, you should be able to demonstrate an empathy and understanding of the nutritional needs of older people.

About You: In consultation with residents and staff, you’ll create healthy balanced menus, with choices which reflect the needs and preferences of residents. You’ll plan, prepare and cook residents’ meals from the agreed menu, taking into account personal preferences or recognised dietary requirements (e.g. diabetes).

You’ll also ensure a safe and sufficient supply of catering products, by developing a system of ordering supplies in a timely manner. To ensure good stock control, you’ll make sure catering orders and deliveries are recorded using documentation supplied, to enable all orders to be checked and audited. Maintenance of a system of effective stock rotation and control is paramount, and by doing so, you will manage catering costs within the agreed catering budget.

You will also ensure safe and proper use of catering equipment, and report any defects to management. It is also important that you adhere to kitchen cleaning procedures and schedules in accordance with Environmental Health standards, and keep the kitchen and store areas in a clean and hygienic condition. Correct use of all equipment and products in line with COSHH requirements is key, as is the need to keep all COSHH assessments under review. You will also participate in and supervise the completion of all relevant records in relation to food safety.

In line with your casual (bank) worker assignment agreement, we offer competitive pay that is benchmarked regularly, and in line with those of our employed staff in similar roles. Depending on how many hours you work, you will accrue leave at an equivalent rate of 31 days paid leave in a full calendar year, inclusive of bank/public holidays (pro rata).

To carry out this role, you will be provided with mandatory training to get you started, as part of a comprehensive induction. To work for us in future assignments, you will be expected to keep your mandatory training up to date.