At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals for older residents in a supportive care environment.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to improving lives in Adult Social Care.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, staff discounts, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with a focus on dignity and respect for residents.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact every day while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking for large groups and knowledge of food hygiene.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 14 £ per hour.
Salary: £13.47 per hour to £14.13 per hour
Grade: E
Hours: Various Part Time hours available, Monday to Sunday, 8am -5pm on a rota basis
Contract: Permanent
Location: Skipton, North Yorkshire
Are you someone who takes pride in preparing nutritious, beautifully presented meals? We are looking for a dedicated Cook to join our Adult Social Care residential service in Skipton, helping to provide high-quality meals for older people in our care.
About the Role
As our Cook at Ashfield, you will be responsible for the day to day running of the kitchen, delivering a high standard of meal preparation for residents with varying needs, including those who require special diets. You will ensure the kitchen operates safely, hygienically, and efficiently, working largely on your own initiative. You will also play an important role in supporting residents’ wellbeing by offering choice, dignity, and respect in relation to their meals, and by ensuring food is prepared to a consistently high standard.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, cook, and present a full range of meals, including special dietary options.
- Create menus, portion plans, and ensure meals are appealing and nutritious.
- Order supplies and maintain accurate kitchen records.
- Ensure excellent standards of hygiene, food safety, and health and safety.
- Work within agreed budgets and manage stock effectively.
- Supervise and direct operational kitchen/ frontline staff where required.
- Attend training sessions, team meetings, and supervision when needed (including occasionally outside standard hours).
- Contribute to safeguarding by being aware of the physical, emotional, and social needs of older residents.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Awareness of Equality & Diversity, Dignity & Respect, and Human Rights and how these apply in practice.
- Experience of cooking a variety of meals for large groups of people.
- Knowledge of food hygiene and the ability to apply safe cooking practices.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Understanding of kitchen and workplace health and safety.
- Ability to manage budgets, monitor stock and complete simple paperwork.
Desirable
- Experience working in a residential or care setting.
Qualifications
- Level 2 qualification in Food Preparation, Food Handling or Food Safety, or willingness to work towards achieving this.
Why Join Us?
Working in Adult Social Care means making a meaningful impact every day. You’ll be part of a supportive team that values compassion, professionalism, and dedication to improving the lives of older people.
- Competitive pay
- Access to salary sacrifice schemes and staff discounts
- Benefits including green car scheme, childcare vouchers, and home technology offers
- Opportunities for career progression – With the wide range of services we offer, you’ll gain valuable experience in a care setting that could support your development along our career pathway
You can find out more about the benefits of working for NYC here: Total Rewards Brochure
Full details about the role can be viewed here: Job Description.docx
If you would like an informal chat about the role please contact Jane Dennis Registered Manager Jane.Dennis@northyorks.gov.uk
Key Dates
- Closing Date: Tuesday 7th April 2026
- Shortlisting Date: Wednesday 8th April 2026
- Interview Date: Monday 13th April 2026
- Venue for Interview: Ashfield, Carleton Road, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 2B
Enhanced Level DBS Disclosure is required for appointment to this post.
Safeguarding and Regulation
It is a criminal offence for people who are barred from working in Regulated Activity (under the Safeguarding and Vulnerable Groups Act 2006) to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with adults at risk. We are committed to the inclusion, safeguarding, and promoting the welfare of adults at risk.
Agency Policy
NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. North Yorkshire Councils’ purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other’s contributions; we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Cook in Skipton employer: North Yorkshire Council
North Yorkshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in the picturesque town of Scarborough, employees benefit from a local government pension scheme, generous employee discounts, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community through their work in council tax and business rates management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Skipton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen! Before your interview, visit the place if you can. Familiarise yourself with their menu and cooking style. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring a portfolio of your best dishes or even a few photos of meals you've prepared. This gives you a chance to talk about your experience and creativity in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about dietary needs! Brush up on special diets and how you can cater to them. It’s a big part of the role, and showing you understand this will definitely impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team, kitchen operations, or resident preferences. This shows you're engaged and keen to be part of the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Skipton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let us see your love for preparing nutritious and beautifully presented meals. Share any experiences that highlight your dedication to cooking, especially for those with special dietary needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous roles where you cooked for large groups or worked in a care setting. We want to know how your skills align with our mission of providing high-quality meals for older people.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Food Safety:Include details about your understanding of food hygiene and safe cooking practices. This is crucial for ensuring the kitchen operates safely and efficiently, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on this exciting journey with us at Ashfield!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Yorkshire Council
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to think about the types of meals you can prepare and how you would cater to special dietary needs. Be ready to discuss your experience with menu planning and how you ensure meals are both nutritious and appealing.
✨Showcase Your Hygiene Knowledge
Since food safety is crucial in this role, brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene practices. Be prepared to explain how you maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen, as well as any relevant qualifications you have.
✨Demonstrate Your Independence
This position requires someone who can work independently. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed a kitchen or worked without supervision. Highlight your ability to take initiative and make decisions.
✨Emphasise Compassion and Respect
As a Cook in a care setting, it's important to show that you understand the significance of dignity and respect for residents. Prepare to discuss how you incorporate these values into your meal preparation and interactions with residents.
