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- Tasks: Prepare and cook meals while supervising kitchen staff in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join Brainkind, a charity dedicated to improving lives of those with brain injuries.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, health plans, and a focus on employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Food Hygiene and experience in catering for diverse dietary needs required.
- Other info: Apply quickly as interviews are ongoing; we value diversity and inclusivity.
Neurological Care Centre – Stagenhoe, St. Paul\’s Walden, Hitchin, Herefordshire, County of, United Kingdom
Job Description
Posted Friday 16 January 2026 at 01:00
Chef
Location: Hitchin
Salary: £13.39 per hour
Monday and Wednesday 7.00-14.00
Thursday 7.00-19.00
30 minute unpaid break on long day
Uniform provided
Brainkind is a charity that aims to improve the lives of peoplewith brain injuries in the UK.Our assessment centres, rehabilitation units and hospitals use expert neurorehabilitation to support people to regain the skills they have lost. We treat people with a range of brain injuries – sustained through trauma, illness, substance abuse and more – to recover and meet their personal goals. Our employees are incredibly passionate about the jobs they do – you will find a strong team spirit across our services and amazing colleagues who always pull together and look out for each other.
MAIN PURPOSE:
To prepare and cook meals to the standard set by Brainkind and to supervise the kitchen and Catering Assistant staff in the absence of the Head Chef.
MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- To ensure that all food is correctly and safely prepared, stored, and presented in a way which meets agreed Brainkind standards
- Responsible to ensure all equipment is left clean at end of the shift in line with systems in place
- Responsible to ensure recording of cleaning and equipment maintenance schedules is in line with Brainkind policies and procedures
- To report equipment faults, repair and maintenance needs in line with local procedures
- To record all information as required by Brainkind policies and procedures
- To report any unmet training need in use of equipment or processes
- Facilitating the safe and smooth running of the Service, the post holder is expected to maintain a safe working environment, maintain service user confidentiality, and occasionally taking on reasonable additional tasks
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
- This post holds no budgetary responsibility but will be expected to ensure costs and expenditures are kept within agreed limits
- Accountable for the use and safety of materials, components, products, and equipment. This includes the responsibility for the performance of procedures
- Responsible to deputise for the Head Chef by providing catering service within available resources and to ensure that all catering staff follow Brainkind policies and procedures
- Accountable to assist the Head Chef to provide services that meet the Brainkind and regulatory body standards
ABOUT YOU:
- Level 2 Food Hygiene or higher
- NVQ or SVQ Level 2 General Catering or equivalent
- Previous experience of working in kitchens
- Demonstrable skills in cooking for large groups of people and an ability to cater for varying dietary needs
- Knowledge of regulations, e.g. COSHH, Health & Safety, HACCP
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to work closely with service users and communicate effectively with them
- Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Rewards
You can look forward to excellent benefits including:
- A competitive rate of £13.39 per hour
- 33 Days AL
- Buy/Sell up to 5 days AL each year
- Health Cash Plan
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Excellent training and support
- Company Pension
- Group life assurance
- Long service and staff awards
- Free parking
We also put a big focus on employee wellbeing and support. It matters to us that you feel at your best. Career development is a priority. We will ensure you get all the training and learning opportunities you need to achieve your goals.
To join our friendly team, click the Apply Now button.
**Please note we will be shortlisting and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis until the role is filled therefore, we recommend applying as soon as possible. **
*All successful candidates are subject to compliance checks including 3 years of checkable references and DBS/PVG checks*
Brainkind are a Disability Confident Employer. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Brainkind is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive organisation. It is a place where we recognise, celebrate, and live our values which includes offering a range of inclusive employment policies and staff engagement forums to support employees from all backgrounds.
Neurological Care Centre – Stagenhoe, St. Paul\’s Walden, Hitchin, Herefordshire, County of, United Kingdom
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Chef - Hitchin employer: Brainkind Neurological Centre York
Contact Detail:
Brainkind Neurological Centre York Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef - Hitchin
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Brainkind's mission and values. Understanding their focus on improving the lives of people with brain injuries will help you align your passion for cooking with their goals, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in catering for diverse dietary needs. Since you'll be preparing meals for individuals with various health conditions, showcasing your ability to adapt recipes and cater to specific requirements can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your knowledge of food safety regulations like COSHH and HACCP during any conversations or interviews. This shows that you take food hygiene seriously and are well-prepared to maintain the high standards expected at Brainkind.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Brainkind if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your enthusiasm for joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef - Hitchin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Chef position at Brainkind. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that match what they are looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous kitchen experience, especially in catering for large groups or working with specific dietary needs. Mention any qualifications like Level 2 Food Hygiene or NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in General Catering.
Showcase Teamwork Skills: Since the role requires working as part of a team, include examples of how you have successfully collaborated with others in past roles. This could be through teamwork in a kitchen environment or any other relevant experience.
Express Passion for the Cause: Brainkind is a charity focused on improving lives. In your application, convey your passion for helping others and how you align with their mission. This can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brainkind Neurological Centre York
✨Know Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking experience, especially in catering for large groups and accommodating dietary needs. Highlight any specific dishes or cuisines you excel in, as this will demonstrate your expertise.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with food hygiene standards and regulations such as COSHH, Health & Safety, and HACCP. Be ready to explain how you ensure compliance in the kitchen, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Show Team Spirit
Since teamwork is essential in this role, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in a kitchen environment. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Passion for the Cause
Brainkind is a charity focused on improving lives. Show your enthusiasm for their mission and how your values align with theirs. This can set you apart as a candidate who genuinely cares about the work they do.
