At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, healthy meals and manage a vibrant kitchen team.
- Company: Join a top-rated care provider making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and fantastic employee perks.
- Other info: Great opportunities for training and career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be creative with food while celebrating special events and making an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen and relevant catering qualifications required.
Read on to fully understand what this job requires in terms of skills and experience If you are a good match, make an application.
Its about creating meals that make people feel cared for every plate is an opportunity to make someones day.
Thats how one of our Cooks describes their role. If youre passionate about food, take pride in your kitchen, and want to make a real difference, wed love to hear from you.
A home, not just a service
Agnes Court is home for 24 adults with physical disabilities who deserve a clean, safe and welcoming environment. From keeping communal spaces sparkling to making sure laundry comes back fresh and neatly pressed, youll be part of the heartbeat that makes our service feel like home.
Your working hours
This is for occasional hours, with flexibility to work across weekdays and weekends as part of a rota.
Typical shifts may include:
Morning shifts: 7am3pm
Afternoon shifts: 10am6pm
Well work with you to agree a pattern that suits the needs of the service and you.
Why youll love working here
As well as providing support for your wellbeing and development, we offer a fantastic range of benefits:
28 days holiday per annum inclusive of bank holidays (+1 every year up to 33 days)
Stream: Access up to 40% of your pay before payday
Free Blue Light Card: Exclusive discounts and benefits
Contributory Pension Scheme & competitive life cover
Health cash plan: Affordable healthcare at your fingertips
Career development: Opportunities for recognised catering qualifications
Free DBS check
Employee Assistance Programme support when you need it most
What youll do
Prepare, cook, and serve high-quality meals and beverages on time
Plan varied, seasonal menus that meet nutritional and dietary needs
Liaise with care teams and customers to create personalised menus
Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in line with HACCP and COSHH regulations
Manage food stocks, orders, and budgets effectively
Supervise and support catering staff, including training and rota planning
Provide catering for events, parties, and special occasion
Ensure compliance with health, safety, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements
What helps you shine here
Recognised catering qualification (or willingness to work towards this)
Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (or Level 4) and HACCP accreditation
Experience working in a kitchen environment
Ability to plan menus, manage budgets, and maintain records
Knowledge of health and safety, food hygiene, and infection control principle
Good communication and organisational skill
A genuine commitment to the values and ethos of Leonard Cheshire
About Leonard Cheshire
Established over 75 years ago, we exist to support disabled people to live, learn, and work as independently as possible.
Ready to apply?
Leonard Cheshire welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applications from people with a disability, supporting where possible, your requirements for reasonable adjustments.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. A satisfactory disclosure check (PVG membership in Scotland) is required for this post. References will be obtained for all roles.
Visa sponsorship is not available at this time. Applicants must have the unrestricted right to work in the UK at the time of application. xehkeey We are unable to progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship or are awaiting a visa decision.
Cook employer: Leonard Cheshire
At Leonard Cheshire, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values creativity and flexibility. Our team members enjoy competitive pay, generous annual leave, and a range of employee rewards, including Wagestream and discounts through the Blue Light card. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, we provide excellent training programmes and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people with disabilities in our residential care home.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Leonard Cheshire and their values. When you show genuine interest in their mission to support people with disabilities, it’ll really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the kitchen culture and what it’s really like to work there.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! As a Cook, you might be asked to whip up a dish or two. Brush up on your cooking skills and think about how you can showcase your creativity and ability to meet dietary needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you can tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and passion for providing great meals.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and providing great meals shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating appetising and nutritious dishes that make a difference in people's lives.
Highlight Your Experience:Make sure to detail your kitchen experience and any relevant qualifications. We’re looking for someone who knows their way around a kitchen, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills and past roles!
Be Flexible:Since the role requires flexibility, mention your availability and willingness to cover shifts when needed. This shows us that you’re ready to jump in and help out whenever necessary, which is super important in our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonard Cheshire
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you might be preparing. Research dietary requirements and think about how you can create appetising, varied dishes that cater to those needs. This shows your passion for cooking and your commitment to providing great meals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous kitchen experience in detail. Highlight any specific roles where you managed a kitchen or supervised staff. Mention any catering qualifications you have, especially your Food Hygiene Certificate, as this will demonstrate your professionalism and readiness for the role.
✨Emphasise Flexibility
Since the job requires flexibility to cover shifts, be prepared to discuss your availability. Share examples of times when you've adapted to changing schedules or stepped in during busy periods. This will show that you're a team player who can handle the demands of the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. You could inquire about the types of events you'll be catering for or how the team collaborates in the kitchen. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
