Chef Training

Reporting to: Kitchen & Logistics Coordinator

Contractor: Able to commit to a minimum of 21 hours per week, with up to 35 hours per week available. Full-time: 35 hours per week, fixed-term contract until March 2026.

Primarily at SHP 165 Homeless Hostel, 165 Kings Cross Road, London, WC1X 9BN. We may occasionally offer shifts in other locations in Central and North London (Camden, Islington, Barnet, Westminster). Immediate start available.

About FEAST With Us: FEAST’s mission is to improve the nutrition, wellbeing, and health of people at risk of food insecurity. We work across several London boroughs, partnering with community groups and organisations to deliver impactful food security programmes. We work with charity and community partners to provide services and programmes in homeless hostels, mental health day centres, community centres and faith centres in Camden, Islington, Barnet, Westminster and Redbridge. FEAST tackles food insecurity by providing nutritious meals and nurturing community connections. Our primary service includes community meals, known as "FEASTs," using donated surplus food, FEAST chefs and a team of volunteers. These are more than just meal services; we also prepare and deliver nutritious meals to hostels and community centres for individuals experiencing food insecurity to collect. Our Healthy Eating on a Budget Programme further empowers individuals by helping build nutritional knowledge, developing practical cooking and budgeting skills. FEAST is committed to broader systemic change through ongoing research and strategic local food partnerships. We work closely with networks in Camden and Redbridge to ensure residents have access to nutritious, affordable and sustainable food.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide lunch, dinner and dessert to a client base of 8-15 residents of a men’s homeless shelter in Camden.
• Pack and label additional meals for up to 16 people to be collected and delivered to a nearby venue.
• Cook using surplus food, where possible, and work with surplus food charities to coordinate deliveries.
• Manage the kitchen including inventory, waste management, cleaning and food safety standards, supporting cooking volunteers, and collaborating with FEAST and venue staff.
• Prepare and produce nutritionally balanced three-course meals for up to 30 people per session, including takeaway meals, catering to allergies and dietary requirements.
• Plan and organise meals using own initiative and within budget, creating varied and interesting menus.
• Ensure that the kitchen area and equipment are cleaned to the highest standard and in working order.
• Oversee and manage volunteer teams of up to 8 people.
• Maintain health and safety and food safety standards, in line with FEAST policies and EHO guidance.
• Communicate effectively with community venue partner staff and FEAST staff.
• Get feedback from service users about the quality of the food.
• Promote sustainable practices in the kitchen.

Experience Required:

• Planning, preparing and cooking healthy, balanced meals in a professional catering kitchen or busy community kitchen.
• Catering for significant numbers (up to 30) within clearly defined service schedules and mealtimes.
• Coordinating and managing food orders and deliveries in the kitchen.
• Valid Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate (or willing to undergo training once joined).
• Experience maintaining a 4+ rating kitchen and understanding the importance of Environmental Health checks.
• Keeping clear and accurate kitchen records such as HACCP documentation, temperatures, stock levels, meals and cleaning schedules.
• A demonstrable passion and excitement for food, and engaging others in food.
• A working knowledge of and commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Experience of working with people experiencing food insecurity and/or vulnerable adults.
• 1+ years of professional kitchen experience.
• Trained in adult safeguarding and valid DBS check (or willing to undergo checks and training once joined).

Agreement of FEAST Policies: The Contractor/freelancer agrees to adhere to the following FEAST policies in the production of cooking sessions: Food Allergy Action Plan, Food Safety & Hygiene, Complaints.