Chef

Sanctuary Group; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellbeing support

Company-funded training

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible working options

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Sanctuary Group in Ipswich is seeking a Chef to support the preparation of nutritious, restaurant-quality meals at Sidegate Lane – Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 3DH. You’ll play a key role in delivering high standards of food, presentation, and dining experience within a calm, well-structured kitchen environment.

You’ll be part of a compassionate, community-focused team supporting people with mental health needs, that puts people first – every single day.

Qualifications

• Deliver a high-quality catering service that meets individual needs, including special diets.
• Enable better work-life balance with no late nights or split shifts, where possible.
• Plan and prepare nutritionally balanced meals and maintain hygiene standards.
• Maintain knowledge of health and safety procedures and operate catering equipment confidently.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a high-quality catering service that meets individual needs, including special diets.
• Enjoy a better work-life balance with no late nights or split shifts, giving you more time for yourself
• Help plan and prepare nutritionally balanced meals for customers
• Promote and maintain food hygiene and safety standards
• Keep risk assessments up to date and ensure the kitchen is cleaned to a high standard
• Monitor and order stock, receive deliveries and work independently when needed
• Experience working in a catering environment and cooking for different groups
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures and confidence using catering equipment

Skills

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

Health and safety awareness

Great communication skills

Education

Level 2 Diploma in Catering and Hospitality

Job description

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Department: Health and Social Care (Catering and Hospitality S

Operation: Sanctuary Supported Living

Closing Date: .

Requisition: 229927

Inclusion is one of our core values. Our goal is to be a diverse, inclusive organisation where our people thrive and meet our customers’ needs with fairness and empathy. We know having a range of ideas and opinions makes a difference. We encourage and welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds to support this mission. We will make adjustments throughout your application process, in line with Sanctuary’s commitment to our Disability Confident employer status.

Chef

£14.02 per hour

Temporary role for 6 months

Serving more than meals with a better work-life balance

We’re excited to welcome an Chef to support the preparation of nutritious, restaurant-quality meals at Sidegate Lane – Ipswich 248 Sidegate Lane in Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 3DH, without the long hours or split shifts often found in hospitality. You’ll play a key role in delivering high standards of food, presentation, and dining experience within a calm, well-structured kitchen environment.

You’ll be part of a compassionate, community-focused team supporting people with mental health needs, that puts people first – every single day. #BeYourBest is more than a hashtag – it’s our commitment to helping our people grow, thrive, and feel valued. We’ll support you with the tools, training, and encouragement to reach your full potential, while celebrating your individuality and the difference you make every day.

As a not-for-profit organisation, we reinvest in our people and our services, celebrating individuality and helping you thrive both personally and professionally. We’re committed to your progression, so we offer fully funded hospitality qualifications.

Your role

• Deliver a high-quality catering service that meets individual needs, including special diets
• Enjoy a better work-life balance with no late nights or split shifts, giving you more time for yourself
• Help plan and prepare nutritionally balanced meals for customers
• Promote and maintain food hygiene and safety standards
• Keep risk assessments up to date and ensure the kitchen is cleaned to a high standard
• Monitor and order stock, receive deliveries and work independently when needed
• Experience working in a catering environment and cooking for different groups
• Valid Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures and confidence using catering equipment
• Friendly and approachable with great communication skills
• Level 2 Diploma in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent knowledge

Your rewards

You deserve more than the basics. That’s why, alongside 33 days’ annual leave pro rata (rising to 38, including bank holidays),occupational sick pay linked to length of service, and a contributory pension scheme, we’ve created a package to help you thrive:

• Health and wellbeing support – including Aviva Digicare+ with virtual GP appointments, plus an Employee Assistance Programme offering medical, financial, and legal advice, as well as short-term counselling
• Company-paid life insurance
• Parental leave arrangements, paid volunteering days, and annual leave purchase scheme
• Company-funded training and ongoing career development opportunities
• Flexible working options and an inclusive culture where everyone belongs, supported by our staff networks including PRISM, Disability, Race Equality and Parent networks
• Exclusive retail discounts, Cycle to Work, and salary sacrifice arrangements

Some rewards are subject to a qualifying period or other criteria – visit our website for more information.

Before you apply

• We can only accept applications from individuals with the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this vacancy.
• All roles require safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including criminal records and overseas police checks if needed; for more information, please get in touch.
• Internal candidates should apply via their internal careers account.
• We may close this advert early, so please apply as soon as possible.

We work closely with the Home Office in order to prevent illegal working.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary in the event of a successful application which we will pay for.

Sanctuary Supported Living is a trading name of Sanctuary Housing Association and Sanctuary Home Care Limited, both exempt charities.