At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Bank Chef, managing kitchens and delivering quality meals across our community sites.
- Company: Bath & North East Somerset Council is dedicated to improving lives and serving the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible shifts, uniforms provided, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a compassionate team that values quality and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Level 2 qualification in cookery, food safety certification, and experience in catering required.
- Other info: This role offers rolling applications, so apply now to join our caring community!
At Bath & North East Somerset Council, we have one overriding purpose to improve people’s lives
Bank Chef/Cook
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.
The Role
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.
Our Facilities
Community Resource Centres (CRCs)
Bath and North East Somerset operates 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)
Bath and North East Somerset 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.
What We’re Looking For
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 standardthe 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,
Interview date: TBC
This is a rolling advert applications will be checked weekly, and we will shortlist and interview on a rolling basis .
About Bath & North East Somerset Council.
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.
Why Bath & North East Somerset Council?
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. Go to
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve peoples live. Find out more about our values at
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. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at
We are a Disability Confident Employer find out more at
Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.
Safeguarding Statement: 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. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.
Bank Chef employer: Bath and North East Somerset Council
Contact Detail:
Bath and North East Somerset Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bank Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs of the elderly, as this role involves catering for vulnerable adults. Understanding these requirements will not only help you in the kitchen but also show your commitment to providing high-quality service.
✨Tip Number 2
Make sure to highlight any experience you have in large-scale catering or banqueting. This is crucial for a Bank Chef role, as you'll be expected to manage busy kitchen operations independently.
✨Tip Number 3
Reach out to Zoltan Simko, the Hospitality Services Manager, for an informal chat about the role. This can give you valuable insights and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards during any conversations or interviews. This is a key aspect of the role, and showing your expertise can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Bank Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in professional catering kitchens, especially any roles that involved large-scale catering or working with specific dietary needs. Emphasise your Level 2 qualification in professional cookery and any food safety certifications.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and your understanding of the responsibilities. Mention your flexibility in working hours and your ability to manage a kitchen independently, as these are key aspects of the Bank Chef position.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, be sure to mention your knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety standards, and stock control processes. Also, include any experience you have with First Aid training, as this is a requirement for the role.
Showcase Interpersonal Skills: Since the role requires good communication and interpersonal skills, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully worked in a team or supported vulnerable individuals in previous roles. This will demonstrate your empathetic approach and suitability for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bath and North East Somerset Council
✨Show Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking techniques and experiences in professional kitchens. Highlight any specific dishes or cuisines you excel in, especially those relevant to the dietary needs of the elderly.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
Since this role requires covering shifts on a casual basis, emphasise your availability and willingness to adapt to different working hours. Share examples of how you've successfully managed flexible work schedules in the past.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Make sure you can articulate your knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations. Be ready to discuss how you maintain these standards in the kitchen, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Good interpersonal skills are essential for this position. Prepare to demonstrate your ability to communicate with team members and residents, showcasing your empathetic approach and teamwork experience.