Cook - Mill Lodge – Mill Lodge Hospital in Kegworth

Looking for a role where your work genuinely matters? As a Cook with Rushcliffe Care Group, you will play a key part in supporting people’s health, wellbeing, and daily routine through good quality, nutritious meals prepared with care and consistency. Food is not just about nutrition. In a care environment, it is about comfort, dignity, routine, and respect. Your role directly affects how people feel each day.

You will be joining Rushcliffe Care, a company with over 35 years of experience in offering the highest levels of care to our most vulnerable in society. Across our services, we support people to live safer, more fulfilling lives, with dignity, choice, and consistency at the centre of everything we do. Our work is guided by clear values. These are not slogans. They shape how we treat people, how we work together, and what we expect from each other.

As a Cook, your role is to prepare and deliver meals that meet individual dietary needs while maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene, and presentation. On a typical shift, you will plan and prepare meals in line with menus and care requirements, taking account of dietary needs, allergies, cultural preferences, and individual choices. You will ensure food is prepared safely, served on time, and presented in a way that supports dignity and enjoyment. You will be responsible for maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment, completing required checks and records, managing stock levels, and minimising waste. You will work closely with the wider team to make sure meals support each person’s care plan and overall wellbeing. This is a hands-on role that requires organisation, reliability, and attention to detail, particularly in a clinical care environment.

You may already have experience working as a cook or in a catering environment, ideally within health, social care, or another regulated setting. You understand the importance of food safety, consistency, and following guidance. You take pride in your work and understand that reliability and routine matter in a care environment. You are organised, calm under pressure, and able to manage your workload across a busy shift. You communicate clearly with colleagues and are comfortable working as part of a wider team. You are willing to follow procedures, accept feedback, and continue developing your skills. Training and support will be provided where needed.

What Our Values Mean In Practice:

• Reputable Care: Preparing meals in line with dietary requirements and care plans. Following food hygiene, health and safety, and infection control guidance at all times. Taking responsibility for standards, even when the kitchen is busy.
• Respect and Compassion: Treating food preferences seriously and with dignity. Understanding that meals are part of someone’s daily routine and comfort. Working respectfully with colleagues across the service.
• Robust Communication: Communicating clearly with the team about menus, stock, and dietary needs. Recording checks accurately so standards are maintained across shifts. Raising concerns promptly if issues arise.
• Real Commitment: Turning up on time and prepared for the shift. Supporting colleagues when pressures increase. Taking responsibility for maintaining a safe, well-run kitchen.

Mill Lodge Hospital is a specialist hospital in Kegworth, Leicestershire. The service provides care and rehabilitation for adults aged 18 and over with complex mental health needs, including those detained under the Mental Health Act. The hospital has four wards, each designed to provide a safe and therapeutic environment. Facilities include lounges, dining areas, and clinic rooms on each ward. Mill Lodge is set in a peaceful rural location, offering a calm setting for recovery. The catering service plays an important role in supporting wellbeing, routine, and recovery within the hospital environment.

We provide a structured induction and ongoing support so you feel confident and well-equipped in your role. You will receive clear guidance, regular support from management, and access to training relevant to food safety and care environments. We support people who want to build a long-term career with Rushcliffe Care Group, with opportunities to develop skills and progress within catering and wider support services where appropriate. Whether you are experienced or looking to build on your skills in a care setting, apply now to join Rushcliffe Care Group. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which is covered by Rushcliffe Care.

Rushcliffe Care Group is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, in line with the Equality Act 2010. We encourage applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Employment decisions are based on individual merit, qualifications, and the needs of the service. Some roles may have specific requirements, such as physical ability or effective communication in English, due to the nature of the work. These requirements are applied fairly and proportionately to ensure safety and quality of service. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you.