At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve wholesome, homemade meals that bring comfort to our Residents.
- Company: HC-One, where kindness is at the heart of everything we do.
- Benefits: Great work-life balance, competitive pay, and access to numerous discounts.
- Why this job: Make mealtimes special and impactful for those in your care.
- Qualifications: S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery, Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with clear career pathways and professional development opportunities.
Overview
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\’ll play a vital role in preparing and serving wholesome, homemade meals that meet nutritional needs and bring comfort and enjoyment to our Residents every day.
About You
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\’ll be confident in maintaining the highest standards of food safety and kitchen practice. Beyond your technical skills, you\’ll 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\’ll 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 it is important that you are able to recognise signs of 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.
About HC-One
At HC-One, kindness is more than a word—it’s a way of life. We believe 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 we call Kindness the HC-One Way: We are curious, compassionate, creative, courageous, and dependable.
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 are enhancing the way we support residents through digital care planning. This technology helps streamline care, improve outcomes, and make daily tasks more efficient. We are growing our digital capabilities and are looking for team members who are comfortable with technology or open to learning. You’ll be supported every step of the way.
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 a quick turnaround to get you started, 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 can only consider applications from individuals who already have the full right to work in the UK. We cannot offer sponsorship or accept applications from those on a time-limited visa. Applications that do not meet this criterion will not be progressed.
Rewards & Benefits
You will enjoy access to a wide range of benefits to support your physical and psychological well-being and your career. HC-One will invest in you with opportunities to progress into regional and national roles.
- Great work life balance
- An hourly rate 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 — around-the-clock GP consultation via an interactive app (available to you and your children under 16)
- Opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding team
- Colleague discounts – access to over 1600 high street discounts
- Wellbeing – free access to an independent Employee Assistance Programme
- Excellent recognition schemes such as Kindness in Care and Long Service Awards
- Refer a friend scheme of up to £1000 per referral, depending on the role
This position is working 27 hours per week over 3 days. Candidates must be flexible to work between Monday and Sunday.
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Chef employer: HC One
Contact Detail:
HC One Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out HC-One's values and mission. This will help you connect your passion for food with their commitment to kindness, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Bring along a few ideas for menu planning that reflect your culinary skills and how you can make mealtimes special for the residents. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and initiative.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to teamwork and food safety. Being prepared will help you feel more confident and show that you're serious about the role.
✨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
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. We want to see your personality and passion for making mealtimes special.
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’re looking for someone who knows their stuff when it comes to food safety and kitchen practices, so don’t hold back!
Be Creative in Your Approach: Don’t just list your skills; show us how you’ve used them creatively in the kitchen! Whether it’s menu planning or presenting dishes, give examples of how you’ve made meals enjoyable and nutritious for others. We love a bit of creativity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at HC One
✨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 menu planning. Prepare examples of dishes you've created or modified in the past, especially those that cater to specific dietary needs. This will demonstrate your ability to make mealtimes special for residents, aligning with HC-One's values.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
HC-One values team players, so be ready to share experiences where you collaborated with others in the kitchen. Highlight how you support your colleagues and contribute to a positive working environment. This will reflect your understanding of the caring approach they seek.
✨Understand Safeguarding
Familiarise yourself with safeguarding principles and be prepared to discuss how you would handle concerns related to abuse or neglect. Showing that you take this responsibility seriously will demonstrate your commitment to the well-being of residents and align with HC-One's core values.