Cook

Children's Hospice South West; Barnstaple; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday

Enhanced sick pay

Pension scheme 7%

Family friendly policies

Wellbeing services

Life insurance

Training opportunities

Environmental agenda

Supportive environment

Make a difference

Job summary

Children's Hospice South West is seeking a friendly Cook at Little Bridge House in Barnstaple. The role is 32 hours per week, on a permanent basis, with 4x8 hour shifts and flexible times, serving home-cooked meals to children and families.

You should have professional kitchen experience and a current basic food hygiene certificate; a catering qualification is preferred or willingness to gain one. CHSW offers a supportive, welcoming environment and a range of staff benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in a professional kitchen and strong communication skills.
• Hold a current basic food hygiene certificate.
• Recognised catering qualification (or willing to undertake one).

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve high-quality, home-cooked meals and snacks for children and families.
• Work as part of kitchen staff and volunteers in a friendly team.
• Part-time, permanent role in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Skills

Professional kitchen experience

Communication skills

Education

Basic food hygiene certificate

Catering qualification

Job description

Cook – Little Bridge House

32 hours per week (4 x 8hr shifts on varied days throughout the week)

Hours are generally worked between 10:30 – 18:30 (although some flexibility around these times will be required)

£27,438 - £31,646 FTE (£21,948 - £25,316 actual) plus enhancements for weekends and bank holidays

“Happy, amazing, special and fun” are perhaps not the first words that spring to mind when you think of a children’s hospice - but this is exactly how our families describe our hospices. Matched by our staff feeling “proud, rewarded and making a difference” by working in this special setting, this is perhaps a quite a different catering role to what you might have expected.

About Us

Children’s Hospice South West provides care and support for children with life limiting conditions. We have an exciting opportunity for friendly and enthusiastic person who is motivated to join us on a permanent basis to really make a difference to the lives of the children and families who we support.

Where you will be working

Little Bridge House is situated in beautiful surroundings, the hospice has a homely feel and yet provides stunning and spacious accommodation for the whole family, making the most of short and precious lives.

The Role

Working as part of a friendly and professional team of Kitchen staff and volunteers, you will prepare and serve a range of high quality, home cooked meals and snacks for children and families to enjoy during their stays. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking for a part-time, permanent role within a relaxed and welcoming environment.

The Successful Candidate

You will be experienced in a professional kitchen, with excellent communication skills. You should hold a current basic food hygiene certificate and a recognised catering qualification (or willing to undertake this).

Benefits Of Working At CHSW Also Include

• 33 days (plus bank holidays) holiday entitlement, which increases with service
• enhanced sick pay scheme rising up to 6 months full and 6 months half pay
• personal pension scheme with 7% employer contribution
• family friendly policies, with enhanced maternity/adoption pay
• occupational health, wellbeing and counselling services and employee assistance programme
• group life insurance scheme
• training and development opportunities
• environmental and green agenda
• a supportive and inclusive environment
• a chance to make a real difference

Training

Full on-the-job training and a comprehensive induction period will be given relevant to the role.

Closing date

31 August 2026

Anticipated Interviews

W/C 14 September 2026

CHSW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and all employees must obtain an enhanced DBS disclosure. Charity Registration Number 1003314.