Chef

SERENCROFT; Greater London; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Refer a Friend bonus up to £200

Blue Light Card Eligibility

Employee of the quarter

Job summary

Serencroft Care Homes is seeking a Chef for Hayes Cottage to plan, prepare and cook nutritious meals for residents and staff, with attention to individual dietary needs.

You'll uphold food hygiene and safety standards, manage stock within budget, and work closely with care staff to support residents' wellbeing. A relevant catering qualification and Right to Work in the UK are required; Enhanced DBS will be undertaken.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a chef or cook, ideally within a care home or similar catering environment.
• Recognised catering qualification (e.g. NVQ/City & Guilds in Professional Cookery) or equivalent experience.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.
• Good communication skills and a flexible, can-do attitude.
• Good understanding of food hygiene and safety requirements, including a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience catering for special diets, including texture-modified and allergen-free meals, is an advantage but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook nutritious, well-balanced meals in line with residents' care plans and dietary requirements.
• Cater for special diets, including texture-modified, allergen-free and culturally specific meals.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety in line with food safety legislation and home procedures.
• Order and manage food stock, minimising waste and working within budget.
• Keep accurate records of menus, food safety checks and allergen information.
• Ensure the kitchen and equipment are kept clean, safe and well maintained.
• Liaise with care staff to understand residents' changing nutritional needs and preferences.
• Support and supervise kitchen assistants as required.
• Work in accordance with health and safety and care home requirements.

Skills

Communication

Flexibility

Teamwork

Education

NVQ/City & Guilds in Professional Cookery

Job description

Chef

Hours: 22.26 hours per week; 7am - 4pm

Rate of Pay: £17.00 per hour

Location: Hayes Cottage, UB3 2RR

About Us

Serencroft Care Homes is an independent care provider operating five residential and nursing homes across England, including Hayes Cottage in Hayes. We are CQC-regulated and B Corp certified, and we work in partnership with NHS commissioners and local universities to provide high-quality, person-centred care. We're looking for a skilled, reliable Chef to help provide nutritious, enjoyable meals for the residents and staff who call Hayes Cottage home.

The Role

As our Chef, you'll be responsible for planning, preparing and cooking high-quality meals for residents at Hayes Cottage, catering to individual dietary needs and preferences. You'll help ensure the home meets food hygiene and health and safety standards — playing an important behind-the-scenes role in the comfort and wellbeing of our residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook nutritious, well-balanced meals in line with residents' care plans and dietary requirements
• Cater for special diets, including texture-modified, allergen-free and culturally specific meals
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety in line with food safety legislation and home procedures
• Order and manage food stock, minimising waste and working within budget
• Keep accurate records of menus, food safety checks and allergen information
• Ensure the kitchen and equipment are kept clean, safe and well maintained
• Liaise with care staff to understand residents' changing nutritional needs and preferences
• Support and supervise kitchen assistants as required
• Work in accordance with health and safety and care home requirements

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience as a chef or cook, ideally within a care home or similar catering environment, is desirable
• Recognised catering qualification (e.g. NVQ/City & Guilds in Professional Cookery) or equivalent experience
• Right to work in the UK
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check
• Good communication skills and a flexible, can-do attitude
• Good understanding of food hygiene and safety requirements, including a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience catering for special diets, including texture-modified and allergen-free meals, is an advantage but not essential.

What We Offer

• A varied, hands-on role within a supportive, values-led care home team
• Ongoing training and development opportunities within a multi-site care group
• Full induction
• Potential to take up NVQ once successfully completing probation period.
• A supportive value led team environment
• Refer a Friend bonus - up to £200!
• Blue Light Card Eligibility
• Employee of the quarter - opportunity to potentially win tickets to sporting events or purchasing vouchers for amazing brands and so much more!

Equal Opportunities

Serencroft Care Homes is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of background