At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious home-cooked meals for children and families in a supportive environment.
- Company: Children's Hospice South West, a caring and inclusive charity.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, enhanced sick pay, pension scheme, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a proud team where 98% of staff feel rewarded and valued.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while working in a fun atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a basic food hygiene certificate.
32 hours per week (worked over 4 shifts between Monday to Sunday, including Bank Holidays) £27,438. £31,646 FTE (£21,951- £25,317 actual), plus enhancements for weekends and bank holidays.
“Happy, amazing, special and fun” are perhaps not the first words that spring to mind when you think of a children's hospice - but this is exactly how our families describe our hospices. Matched by our staff feeling “proud, rewarded and making a difference” by working in this special setting, this is perhaps a quite a different catering role to what you might have expected.
About Us: Children's Hospice South West provides care and support for children with life limiting conditions. We have an exciting opportunity for a friendly and enthusiastic person who is motivated to join us on a permanent basis to really make a difference to the lives of the children and families who we support.
Where you will be working: Little Harbour is situated in beautiful surroundings, the hospice has a homely feel and yet provides stunning and spacious accommodation for the whole family, making the most of short and precious lives.
The Role: Working as part of a friendly and professional team of Kitchen staff and volunteers, you will prepare and serve a range of high quality, home cooked meals and snacks for children and families to enjoy during their stays. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking for a part-time, permanent role within a relaxed and welcoming environment.
The Successful Candidate: You will be experienced in a professional kitchen, with excellent communication skills. You should hold a current basic food hygiene certificate and a recognised catering qualification (or willing to undertake this). Join our team for a rewarding career – 98% of staff agree that they are proud to work for CHSW.
Benefits of working at CHSW also include:
- 33 days (plus bank holidays) holiday entitlement, which increases with service
- enhanced sick pay scheme rising up to 6 months full and 6 months half pay
- personal pension scheme with 7% employer contribution
- family friendly policies, with enhanced maternity/adoption pay
- occupational health, wellbeing and counselling services and employee assistance programme
- group life insurance scheme
- training and development opportunities
- environmental and green agenda
- a supportive and inclusive environment
- a chance to make a real difference
Training: Full on-the-job training and a comprehensive induction period will be given relevant to the role.
How to Apply: Please apply by clicking on the link in this advert. Closing date: 25 October 2026. Anticipated Interviews: TBC. *Please note if sufficient applications are received prior to the advertised closing date, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early. We therefore recommend that you apply for the role as soon as possible.
CHSW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and all employees must obtain an enhanced DBS disclosure. Charity Registration Number 1003314.
Cook - Little Harbour in Charlestown employer: Children's Hospice South West
At Children's Hospice South West (CHSW), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture where every team member plays a vital role in creating a warm and welcoming environment for families. As a Housekeeping Supervisor in our beautiful Bristol hospice, you'll enjoy generous benefits including 33 days of holiday, enhanced sick pay, and ongoing training opportunities, all while working alongside compassionate colleagues who share your commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.
Contact Details:
Children's Hospice South West Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook - Little Harbour in Charlestown
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Children's Hospice South West and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook - Little Harbour in Charlestown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Children's Hospice South West that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Children's Hospice South West.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Children's Hospice South West get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Children's Hospice South West
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Children's Hospice South West and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
