Chef (Fixed Term Contract)

Ashgate Hospicecare; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A hospice providing end-of-life care in the UK seeks a Chef to lead kitchen operations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality meals to patients and staff. This is a fixed-term position lasting until March 2026 with a significant emphasis on culinary quality and teamwork. Ideal candidates should have an NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation, experience in catering, and a compassionate approach to their work. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Flexible working hours

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Minimum three years experience in busy catering environments.
• Confident in preparing meals from scratch.
• Strong understanding of nutritional needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen ensuring high standards.
• Prepare fresh nutritious meals.
• Supervise Catering Assistants and volunteers.
• Maintain kitchen hygiene and safety standards.
• Continuously improve catering services.
• Support team development through mentoring.

Skills

Team player

Culinary skills

Food safety knowledge

Mentoring ability

Flexible approach

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Post : Chef

Salary : 13.85 per hour plus weekend enhancements

Contract : Fixed term up to 1st March 2026

Location : Ashgate Hospice Chesterfield

Hours : 30 hours per week, Saturday and Sunday weekend cover required on a rota basis.

Closing date : 13th October 2025

Interview date : TBC

Join Our Compassionate & Skilled Catering Team!

Are you a passionate and experienced chef looking for a rewarding role where your skills make a real difference? We are looking for a talented and dedicated individual to join our hospice catering team to deliver high‑quality nutritious meals to patients, visitors and staff.

This is a fixed‑term role until 1st March 2026 while we confirm funding with potential for extension depending on circumstances at the end of the initial term.

Why Join Us

At Ashgate hospice food plays an important part in the care we provide. Every meal is prepared with thought and care supporting the wellbeing and comfort of our patients and those close to them. This is not a heat‑and‑serve role; our team prepares fresh seasonal meals from scratch with attention to quality presentation and individual needs.

You’ll be part of a small supportive kitchen team that takes pride in its work and values everyone’s contribution. The kitchen is a friendly and collaborative environment where your skills will make a real difference every day.

If you take pride in preparing good food, enjoy working as part of a team and want to contribute to something meaningful, we would be pleased to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the kitchen during shifts ensuring high standards of food quality and safety.
• Prepare and serve fresh nutritious and often bespoke meals for patients, visitors and staff.
• Supervise and support Catering Assistants and volunteers, helping to organise tasks and oversee service.
• Maintain a safe, clean and well‑organised kitchen, upholding food hygiene and HACCP standards.
• Continuously improve our catering service working with the team to develop menus and uphold best practices.
• Mentor and train team members, sharing knowledge and supporting professional development.

For full details of what the role includes please read the attached Job Description or call Mark Taylor on ...

What You’ll Bring

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced catering professional who is a true team player. You will hold an NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation (or equivalent) and a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate and bring with you at least three years experience working in a busy catering environment ideally within a healthcare or similar care‑focused setting.

You must be confident in preparing meals from scratch with a strong understanding of nutritional needs and dietary requirements, ensuring every dish supports the health and wellbeing of our patients.

Compassion and respect are central to this role, so we’re looking for someone with a caring and sensitive approach to patients and their families and a friendly, professional manner when working with staff, volunteers and visitors.

You’ll also need to demonstrate the ability to support and guide volunteers, contribute positively to team meetings and training and show flexibility in supporting different areas of the catering service as needed.

About Ashgate

Ashgate Hospice, based in North Derbyshire, offers free palliative and end‑of‑life care for adults with life‑limiting or incurable illnesses including cancer, neurological diseases and advanced heart, kidney and lung conditions. Last year we cared for over 2,400 people. Our aim is to support our patients by keeping them informed, managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life from diagnosis onwards.

We also provide vital support to the people who are important to them, offering practical assistance and emotional support including bereavement services.

We’re more than a care provider – we’re a campaigner for sustainable end‑of‑life care funding in the UK and we continually invest in our services and workforce.

Our Values

• We are compassionate.
• We are a team.
• We are respectful, open and inclusive.

We value diversity and inclusion and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. We strive to create a workplace that’s happy, safe and supportive and our team seems to agree! In fact 86% of staff would recommend Ashgate Hospice as an employer.

We know how important wellbeing and work‑life balance are, which is why we’re open to flexible work arrangements including job‑sharing.

Benefits of Joining Us

• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to increase it through our Annual Buy and Sell Leave Scheme.
• A flexible working approach to help meet your needs and ours, including options like job‑sharing.
• A Cycle to Work scheme and a Tech Benefit scheme to help spread the cost of your next bike or gadget.
• The Westfield Health Cash Plan giving you money back on treatments such as physiotherapy, dental care and eye tests.
• Free access to Westfield Rewards with discounts at hundreds of high‑street retailers.
• A confidential Employee Assistance Programme offering free round‑the‑clock support when you need it.
• A pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution helping you save for the future.
• A life assurance scheme giving peace of mind for you and those important to you up to age 65.
• A commitment to your personal and professional development with training opportunities to help you grow.
• Free on‑site parking whenever you’re working at the hospice.
• Discounted on‑site café at our Old Brampton site available to all staff.
• A wide range of initiatives to support your wellbeing and the time out to practice self‑care.

Ready to Make a Difference

To learn more about the role please contact Mark Taylor, Head Chef, at [e-mail]. You can arrange to visit the hospice to see what it would be like to work with us.

Please note: Applications must be submitted via the Apply Now button on our website. Applications sent directly to HR or the recruiting manager will not be accepted.

Additional Information

• If you’re successful you’ll need to complete a DBS check as part of our pre‑employment process. You can find more details in the candidate assistant notes.
• As a healthcare provider we prioritise the safety of our patients, staff and visitors. That’s why we encourage and recommend all staff to be vaccinated against COVID‑19 and receive the flu jab unless there’s a compelling reason not to.
• If you need any help with the recruitment process our HR team is here to assist. You can reach them at ... or call ...

Additional Support for Candidates

• We’re committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive, fair and accessible to everyone.
• Reasonable adjustments: We are pleased to offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process for individuals with disabilities, neurodiverse conditions or long‑term health needs.
• Shortlisting commitment: In line with our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion we guarantee to shortlist any disabled candidate who meets the essential criteria for the role.
• Interview preparation: All shortlisted candidates will receive their interview questions in advance to help you feel fully prepared.

Accessibility Resources

• If you need assistance completing your online application you can contact the Disability Employment Service / Youth Employment Service by emailing ...
• We encourage you to complete and share your Health Adjustment Passport. This helps us understand any adjustments or support you might need. Even if you choose not to share it, the passport can be a valuable tool for your own benefit.
• You can also access support through the Access to Work scheme, a government initiative designed to help you start or remain in work if you have a health condition or disability. This includes support for the recruitment process. Learn more on the Access to Work webpage.

Who We Are

For more information about us please visit our website here .

Employment Type: Temp

Vacancy: 1