At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals and manage kitchen operations in a community centre.
- Company: Join the Royal Voluntary Service at Chesham House in Lancing.
- Benefits: Earn £12.68 per hour, enjoy 26 days holiday, and access great perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 Catering and Food Safety Level 2 required.
- Other info: Flexible hours, on-the-job training, and opportunities for career growth.
We are hiring a Cook for Chesham House in Lancing (BN15 8AJ) with the Royal Voluntary Service. The role is part‑time, permanent, and pays £12.68 per hour (FTE £23,091 per annum). Location Chesham House, Lancing, BN15 8AJ – travel across the West Sussex area may be required. Hours 6 hours per week, worked on Fridays. Start and finish times to be confirmed.
Responsibilities
- Produce a range of high‑quality, nutritious meals in a community centre setting.
- Plan, prepare and cook meals, including cultural and special dietary requirements.
- Order and manage food stocks, ensuring proper rotation and compliance with Food Hygiene Regulations.
- Cost meals and manage the budget in conjunction with the Service Manager.
- Maintain food safety and health and safety practices, including COSHH and HACCP compliance.
- Keep accurate daily records for food, fridge and freezer temperatures.
- Ensure kitchen equipment is safe, report faults and follow up on repairs.
- Support and supervise up to 4 volunteers in kitchen and café tasks.
- Monitor service user satisfaction and implement improvements.
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 2 Catering (essential)
- Food Safety Level 2 (essential)
- Knowledge of COSHH, HACCP, Health & Safety, and Food Hygiene Regulations (essential)
- Experience in budget monitoring (essential)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, supporting volunteers.
Benefits
- Salary £12.68 per hour (FTE £23,091 per annum)
- 26 days’ holiday pro‑rata plus statutory Bank Holidays
- Ten weeks’ company sick pay after successful completion of probation
- State‑of‑the‑art pension scheme
- Additional benefits: Salary Death in Service benefit, enhanced family leave, discounts through an exclusive rewards website, 24‑hour doctor line, and a confidential employee assistance programme.
- Extensive on‑the‑job training and opportunities for skill development and career progression
- Opportunity to work flexibly and make a lasting impact on community lives.
Closing Date
Applications close on 24 November 2025. The vacancy may close earlier if sufficient applications are received.
Equal Opportunity
We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work. To learn more about our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, visit our website.
Cook at Chesham House in Lancing employer: Royal Voluntary Service
Contact Detail:
Royal Voluntary Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook at Chesham House in Lancing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with folks in the catering scene, especially those who’ve worked at community centres. They might have insider info on the role at Chesham House or even know someone hiring.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a dish that showcases your culinary talents and share it on social media. Tagging the Royal Voluntary Service could catch their eye!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of food safety regulations and budget management. We want to see you shine when discussing how you’ll keep things running smoothly in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook at Chesham House in Lancing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When you’re writing your application, make sure to highlight your cooking experience and any special dietary knowledge you have. We want to see how you can whip up nutritious meals that cater to different tastes!
Be Budget Savvy: Don’t forget to mention your experience with budget monitoring! We’re looking for someone who can manage costs effectively, so share any relevant examples in your application.
Safety First!: Make sure to include your knowledge of food safety regulations like COSHH and HACCP. We take health and safety seriously at StudySmarter, and we want to know you do too!
Team Player Vibes: Since you'll be supervising volunteers, it’s important to show us your teamwork skills. Share any experiences where you’ve worked with others or led a team in your application. We love a collaborative spirit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Voluntary Service
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing at Chesham House. Research nutritious recipes that cater to various dietary requirements and cultural preferences. This will show your passion for cooking and your understanding of the community's needs.
✨Brush Up on Food Safety
Make sure you’re well-versed in Food Hygiene Regulations, COSHH, and HACCP compliance. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented these practices in previous roles. This knowledge is crucial for maintaining a safe kitchen environment.
✨Budgeting Skills Matter
Prepare to talk about your experience with budget monitoring. Think of specific examples where you successfully managed food costs or improved efficiency. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the financial aspects of the role.
✨Teamwork and Leadership
Since you'll be supervising volunteers, think about your leadership style. Be ready to share examples of how you've supported team members in the past. Highlight your ability to work independently while also fostering a collaborative kitchen atmosphere.