At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals for veterans while ensuring their dietary needs are met.
- Company: A caring home for Royal Navy and Royal Marines veterans with a family-like atmosphere.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, health plan, generous holiday, and free parking.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to enhancing residents' dining experiences.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on the lives of veterans through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 in food safety and hygiene; compassion and teamwork are key.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 € per year.
Pembroke House is a purpose-built care home for veterans of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in Gillingham. We have been serving Royal Navy and Royal Marines veterans and their dependants for over 70 years. Our residents and staff enjoy a varied yet familiar way of life to encourage independence and give each day meaning and purpose. The home has a ‘family-run’ feel and we have carefully created a supportive, friendly and close-knit team, making it a unique and very special place to work.
The Job Role
The Cook is responsible for providing a high standard of varied and nutritional diets to our care home residents under the supervision of the Head Cook while adhering to processes and policies within the home to maintain the highest possible standards. Key responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
- Assist the head cook with producing duty rotas for catering staff, ensuring the skill mix reflects the requirements.
- Assist the head cook to order supplies for the catering operation from specified suppliers.
- Assist the head cook to design menus that meet dietary needs and preferences.
- Prepare food for the coming meals under the guidance of the head cook.
- Ensure a sound knowledge of IDDSI and how to implement this into the meals being offered.
- Keep accurate records of residents who are being cared for with the IDDSI framework and ensuring that every meal meets this criterion.
- Collaborating with staff on the floors to ensure that information is up to date and preferences and changes to medical care where catering is concerned are accurate.
- Manage inventory levels of food and kitchen supplies, ordering ingredients as needed and minimizing waste to stay within budgetary restraints.
- Ensure equipment supplied is used with care, in accordance with suppliers’ instructions and training.
- Ensure all equipment is in good working order and report any faults immediately.
- If any machine is felt to be dangerous, withdraw it from service immediately.
- Ensure that allergy information remains up to date and the food delivered reflects these.
- Lead the shift ensuring that good leadership and management techniques are employed when directing staff.
- Maintaining accurate records of menus, recipes, food orders, inventory levels, and food production activities including food safety measures.
- Demonstrating empathy and compassion towards residents, especially dietary needs or restrictions, and ensuring that their dining experience is enjoyable and dignified.
The Person
This role would suit someone who is naturally dependable, compassionate and trustworthy. They should be able to empathise with the needs of the residents, have patience and understanding and above all be kind and caring. They should have a passion about food and wanting to make a difference. The person holding the position of cook should have the following qualifications, qualities and competencies:
- Level 3 in food safety and hygiene.
What we offer
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous suite of benefits to our employees including:
- Medicash Health Plan & Employee Assistance Program
- 6 weeks per annum pro-rata holiday
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Free on-site parking
- Eligibility for Blue Light Card
IMPORTANT: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. We are not able to offer sponsorship. As an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and Silver ERS accredited employer, we are committed to supporting the Armed Forces community and recognising the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families bring to our organisation. We welcome applications from all members of the Armed Forces community and are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer.
If you would like to find out more about working for The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust, please contact us at careers.ph@rnbt.org.uk or visit www.rnbt.org.uk
Cook in Gillingham employer: The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust
At Pembroke House, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and close-knit work environment that feels like family. Our commitment to the well-being of our staff is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including a Medicash Health Plan and generous holiday allowance, alongside opportunities for personal growth within a meaningful role dedicated to serving veterans. Join us in making a difference in the lives of those who have served our country, all while enjoying the unique culture and camaraderie that comes with working in a purpose-built care home.
Contact Detail:
The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Gillingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Pembroke House. Understanding their values and how they support veterans will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their family.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since the role is all about providing high-quality meals, be ready to discuss your culinary experience. Maybe even whip up a dish that showcases your creativity and understanding of dietary needs to impress them during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your compassion! When chatting with the interviewers, share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and care in previous roles. This is key for a position like Cook at Pembroke House, where the residents' well-being is top priority.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows that you’re serious about joining our supportive team.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Gillingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences or stories that highlight your passion for food and how it can make a difference in the lives of our residents.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences, especially those related to dietary needs and food safety.
Be Personable:We’re looking for someone who’s not just skilled but also compassionate. Use your application to convey your empathy and understanding towards the residents' needs. A personal touch can really make you stand out!
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 this fantastic opportunity at Pembroke House.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and think about menu ideas that cater to various dietary needs. Being able to discuss how you would create meals that are both nutritious and enjoyable for residents will show your passion for food and understanding of their needs.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, highlight your experience working with vulnerable populations or in care settings. Share specific examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and compassion in your previous roles, as this is crucial for a cook in a care home environment.
✨Understand IDDSI Framework
Familiarise yourself with the IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) framework before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement this into your meal preparations, as it’s essential for meeting the dietary needs of residents.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves leading shifts and managing staff, think of examples where you've successfully led a team or managed a kitchen environment. Discuss your approach to teamwork and how you ensure a positive working atmosphere, which aligns with the home’s family-run feel.
