Cook

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Islington Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the kitchen, prepare meals, and cater to diverse dietary needs.
  • Company: Join a caring team at Evergreen Day Centre, supporting older people.
  • Benefits: Enjoy up to 36 days leave, flexible hours, and competitive pay.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals through your cooking.
  • Qualifications: Experience in cooking and a passion for serving others.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Evergreen Day Centre provides day care for older people with physical disabilities and early stages of dementia. We are seeking a cook to join the team at Evergreen Day Centre on a permanent basis. The main duties of the role are:

  • Responsibility for the main kitchen
  • Supervision of Assistant Cook
  • Preparation and cooking of appropriate quantities of food, taking into account the specific cultural, religious, and dietary needs and personal preferences of the individual Day Centre users.

For further information or for an informal conversation about the post, please contact the Assistant Manager.

About You

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council, our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers, we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future. We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.

Our staff benefits include:

  • Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
  • A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
  • Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
  • Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
  • Excellent local government pension scheme
  • Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
  • Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation.

Pre‑Employment Checks

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:

  • Proof of address
  • Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
  • Right to work in the UK
  • Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
  • Satisfactory references
  • Occupational Health clearance
  • Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
  • DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.

Cook employer: Islington Council

Evergreen Day Centre is an exceptional employer dedicated to serving the community with a focus on diversity and inclusion. As a cook, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values collaboration and empowerment, alongside generous benefits such as up to 36 days of leave, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development. Join us in making a meaningful impact in Islington, where your contributions will help create a more equal and thriving environment for all.
Islington Council

Contact Detail:

Islington Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Cook

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Evergreen Day Centre. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with them during your chat.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring along a sample of your cooking or share a recipe that reflects your understanding of dietary needs. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise.

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready to discuss your experience with diverse dietary requirements. Talk about how you've catered to different cultural and personal preferences in the past. This will show you're a perfect fit for the role!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Evergreen.

We think you need these skills to ace Cook

Culinary Skills
Food Preparation
Dietary Needs Awareness
Supervision Skills
Cultural Sensitivity
Time Management
Health and Safety Compliance
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you write your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you to create meals that cater to diverse dietary needs. We want to see your personality and passion for food!

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills align with the role at Evergreen Day Centre. Mention any experience you have in catering for specific cultural or dietary requirements, as this is super important to us.

Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.

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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes everything easier for both of us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Islington Council

✨Know Your Ingredients

Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of various dietary needs and cultural preferences. Being able to discuss how you would cater to specific requirements shows that you understand the importance of personalisation in meal preparation.

✨Showcase Your Kitchen Management Skills

Be prepared to talk about your experience in managing a kitchen and supervising staff. Share examples of how you've successfully led a team, handled challenges, or improved kitchen efficiency. This will demonstrate your leadership abilities and resourcefulness.

✨Emphasise Your Passion for Care

Since this role involves working with older people, express your passion for providing care through food. Share stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to enhancing the well-being of others through nutritious and enjoyable meals.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of meals typically prepared, or how the centre incorporates feedback from users. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation's values.

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