At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve wholesome, homemade meals that bring comfort to our Residents.
- Company: HC-One, a caring and inclusive organisation dedicated to kindness.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free meals, pension scheme, and access to discounts.
- Why this job: Make mealtimes special while developing your culinary skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery and Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with clear career pathways and ongoing professional development.
The predicted salary is between 981 - 1207 £ per month.
At HC-One, kindness is at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for a dedicated Chef who can bring their skills and passion for food into our care home kitchen. You will play a vital role in preparing and serving wholesome, homemade meals that not only meet nutritional needs but also bring comfort and enjoyment to our Residents every day.
You will be an experienced cook with a recognised qualification, holding an S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery, along with a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. With a sound understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), you will be confident in maintaining the highest standards of food safety and kitchen practice. Beyond your technical skills, you will bring creativity to menu planning, pride in presenting nutritious and appetising dishes, and a genuine passion for making mealtimes special for our Residents. Above all, you will be a team player with a positive attitude and a caring approach that reflects the values of HC-One.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and therefore it is important that you are able to recognise the signs which may indicate possible abuse, harm or neglect in its different forms and know what to do if there are any concerns. All colleagues are required to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and to undertake additional training in associated areas. You also have the ability to seek appropriate advice and report concerns, including escalation if action is not taken.
At HC-One, kindness is more than a word - it’s a way of life. We believe that caring for people means caring about what matters most to them, so we can support them to live their best possible lives. To provide the kindest possible care, everyone at HC-One brings and nurtures five key qualities - what we call Kindness the HC-One Way:
- We are curious - asking questions, seeking to understand.
- We are compassionate - walking in the shoes of others.
- We are creative - finding practical ways to make things happen.
- We are courageous - supporting residents to live the life they choose.
- We are dependable - people can always count on us.
We champion inclusivity, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves. Our diverse workforce helps us learn from one another and better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds into our HC-One family and prioritise inclusive working practices across everything we do.
We care about our colleagues and are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. From the moment you receive a job offer, we aim for the quickest possible turnaround to get you started, with full support every step of the way. With clear career pathways, continuous professional development, and postgraduate programmes, HC-One will invest in your growth - opening up opportunities at regional and national levels.
Please note: We are only able to consider applications from individuals who already have the full right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot offer sponsorship or accept applications from those on a time-limited visa. Applications that do not meet this criteria will not be progressed.
You will enjoy access to a huge variety of benefits and services to support your physical and psychological well-being throughout your career as a Chef:
- HC-One will invest in you with great opportunities to progress into regional and national roles.
- An hourly rate is subject to experience and qualifications.
- Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG.
- Free uniform.
- During a shift of eight hours or more a nutritious meal will be available.
- Company pension scheme.
- 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays.
- Group life assurance cover.
- Wagestream - financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay as you need it.
- Award-winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications.
- GP online - a service providing around the clock GP consultation via an interactive app - available to you and your children under 16.
- An opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team.
- Colleague discounts - Access to over 1600 high street discounts including carefully selected discount partners.
- Wellbeing - free of charge access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme. This gives Colleagues and their family access to 24/7 365 support for a whole range of issues including physical, mental and financial issues.
- Excellent recognition schemes such as "Kindness in Care" and Long Service Awards.
- An attractive refer a friend scheme of up to £1000 per referral, depending on the role.
Chef/Cook employer: HC-One Ltd
Contact Detail:
HC-One Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef/Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out HC-One's values and mission. Show them you’re not just a great cook but also someone who embodies kindness and compassion in your work.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! If you can, whip up a few dishes that showcase your creativity and presentation skills. Bring photos or even a sample to your interview to impress them with your culinary flair.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about food safety! Brush up on HACCP principles and be prepared to discuss how you maintain high standards in the kitchen. This shows you take food hygiene seriously, which is crucial for HC-One.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the HC-One family right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef/Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you to create delicious meals that bring joy to others.
Highlight Your Qualifications: Make sure to mention your S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery, along with your Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. We want to see that you've got the skills to keep our kitchen running smoothly!
Emphasise Team Spirit: At HC-One, we value teamwork. In your application, talk about how you work well with others and how you contribute to a positive kitchen environment. We’re all about kindness and collaboration!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey with HC-One.
How to prepare for a job interview at HC-One Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience with different ingredients, cooking techniques, and how you ensure food safety. This will show that you’re not just a cook, but a passionate chef who understands the importance of quality and nutrition.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Think about how you can bring creativity to the menu planning at HC-One. Prepare examples of dishes you've created or modified in the past, and be ready to share how you can make mealtimes special for residents. This will highlight your ability to think outside the box and cater to individual tastes.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
HC-One values team players, so come prepared to discuss your experiences working in a kitchen environment. Share specific examples of how you’ve collaborated with others, resolved conflicts, or supported your colleagues. This will demonstrate that you embody the caring and dependable qualities they seek.
✨Understand Their Values
Familiarise yourself with HC-One's core values of kindness, curiosity, compassion, creativity, courage, and dependability. During the interview, relate your personal values and experiences to these principles. This will show that you align with their mission and are genuinely interested in contributing to their community.