Cook in Kent

Do you love creating comforting, home-cooked meals that bring people together?
Are you looking for a role where your food can make a genuine difference to children and families?
Demelza is looking for an enthusiastic Cook to join our dedicated team at our Sittingbourne Hospice. This is more than just a kitchen role — it’s an opportunity to provide warmth, care and nourishment through food to children, families, staff, volunteers and visitors at meaningful moments.
About the role:
You’ll prepare high-quality, home-cooked meals and snacks, working alongside staff and volunteers, and stepping up to run the kitchen when required. You’ll help create a calm, welcoming and well-organised kitchen environment where food plays a vital role in comfort and care.
Key responsibilities include:
• Preparing nutritious, comforting meals with a focus on quality, consistency and food safety
• Cooking and presenting meals for a range of dietary needs
• Providing meals and snacks for children, families, staff, volunteers and visitors
• Maintaining kitchen records, documentation and food safety standards
• Working flexibly as part of a supportive team (this role may involve lone working)
Pay & hours:
• 30 hours per week (7.4 hours per day over 4 days)
• Shifts between 08:00 and 16:00, Monday to Sunday
• Working 1 in 3 weekends and public holidays
• £12.99 per hour (weekday rate)
• Weekend and Bank Holiday enhancements apply
• Rolling rota, so you know your shifts in advance
What we’re looking for:
Essential:
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or higher)
Desirable:
• Experience in a hospice, care home, hospital or healthcare setting
• Knowledge of cultural, religious and allergy-related dietary needs
• Experience working alongside volunteers
• Previous experience running or managing a kitchen or a section
• You’ll also be a team player with a flexible, can-do attitude and a genuine passion for preparing nutritious, comforting food
Why join Demelza?
• Be part of a compassionate organisation supporting children and families
• Enjoy a calm, structured kitchen environment
• Achieve a healthier work/life balance
• Work somewhere your wellbeing is valued and your work has real impact
• Access to discount schemes (Bluelight)
Full training will be provided. A DBS check is required for this role.
Interested?
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Philip Martin, Chef, on 01795 845215.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early once a suitable candidate has been identified.
As part of the interview process a practical interview maybe required.
Demelza greatly values the benefits of a diverse team and embraces diversity, equality, and inclusion in all areas of its work. We are committed to building a diverse and authentic workplace, ensuring that our team reflects the diversity of the children and families we support. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds.
To see how we process your data, please see the Employee Recruitment Privacy Notice attached to this advert.
An enhanced DBS Disclosure check may be taken dependant on role. Demelza is an equal opportunities employer. Registered Charity No 1039651. Demelza is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Demelza delivers extraordinary care to extraordinary children who are facing serious or life-limiting conditions, throughout Kent, South East London and East Sussex. We’re here to support them and their families at every step – from first diagnosis and for as long as we’re needed. Demelza believes in care that doesn’t back down. We are Demelza.