At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, homemade meals that bring joy to our Residents every day.
- Company: Join HC-One, where kindness is at the heart of everything we do.
- Benefits: Enjoy a great work-life balance, competitive pay, and access to numerous perks.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through your passion for cooking.
- Qualifications: Must have S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality and Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 € per hour.
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 not only meet nutritional needs but also 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 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.
About HC-One
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.
- And 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 are also enhancing the way we support residents through digital care planning. This technology is helping us streamline care, improve outcomes, and make daily tasks more efficient. As we continue to grow our digital capabilities, we’re 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 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.
Rewards & Benefits
You will enjoy access to a huge variety of benefits and services to support your physical and psychological well-being and throughout your career as a Chef HC-One will invest in you with great opportunities to progress into regional and national roles:
- Great work life balance
- 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
This is a bank position providing casual cover when required.
Chef in North Shields employer: HC-One
At HC-One, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, where kindness and compassion are at the core of our work culture. As a Chef in our care home, you will not only enjoy a supportive environment that values your contributions but also benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a great work-life balance, and a range of employee benefits designed to enhance your well-being. Join us in making mealtimes special for our Residents while growing your career in a nurturing and inclusive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in North Shields
✨Tip Number 1
Get your chef skills out there! Attend local food festivals or culinary events to network with other chefs and potential employers. It's a great way to showcase your passion for food and meet people who might be hiring.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just rely on job boards—reach out directly to care homes like HC-One! A friendly email or a quick phone call can make you stand out. Show them you’re eager to bring your culinary creativity to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Get a mate to do a mock interview with you, focusing on how you can demonstrate kindness and teamwork in the kitchen. Remember, they want to see your personality as much as your cooking skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It shows you’re serious about joining the HC-One family. Plus, you’ll get all the latest updates on your application status directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in North Shields
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 and your Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so don’t be shy about showcasing your qualifications!
Emphasise Team Spirit:At HC-One, we value teamwork and a positive attitude. In your application, talk about your experiences working in a team and how you contribute to a supportive kitchen environment. We want to know how you can help us create a caring atmosphere for our Residents.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to showcase your skills and experiences in a way that aligns with our values. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at HC-One
✨Show Your Passion for Food
When you walk into the interview, let your love for cooking shine through. Share stories about your favourite dishes to prepare and how you make mealtimes special for others. This will show that you’re not just a chef, but someone who genuinely cares about the experience of those you serve.
✨Know Your Food Safety Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards, especially HACCP. Be ready to discuss how you maintain these standards in the kitchen. This will demonstrate your commitment to keeping residents safe and healthy, which is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Kindness
HC-One values kindness and teamwork, so be prepared to talk about your experiences working in a team. Share examples of how you’ve supported colleagues or contributed to a positive kitchen environment. This will highlight that you embody the values they cherish.
✨Be Ready to Get Creative
Since creativity is key in menu planning, think of some innovative meal ideas you could bring to the table. During the interview, suggest a few dishes that are both nutritious and appealing. This will showcase your culinary skills and your ability to think outside the box.