Cook

St Lukes; Basildon; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

St Lukes is seeking a Cook to join our Bank Team (casual hours) to provide excellent catering for patients, staff and visitors. You will participate in the opening team for Seasons @St. Luke's by AnuragFoodStory, due in Summer 2026, offering a welcoming and modern setting that supports wellbeing.

You will work with a diverse team to prepare meals, adapt menus for dietary needs, and contribute ideas for seasonal dishes while ensuring safety and quality across operations.

Qualifications

• Experience in healthcare or catering environment.
• Hold a recognised food hygiene qualification (Level 2 Food Safety in Catering) or be willing to obtain one.
• Demonstrate practical cooking skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to menus, recipes and portion specs, ensuring consistency and presentation.
• Adapt meals to dietary needs and allergies, following guidance from clinical teams.
• Store, label and rotate food to maintain freshness and minimise waste.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen, complying with regulations and policies.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and report maintenance or safety issues promptly.
• Support menu planning and contribute ideas for seasonal, cost-effective dishes.
• Assist with stock ordering, deliveries and record keeping to control costs.
• Collaborate with clinical and domestic teams to coordinate meal times and requests.
• Follow organisational policies including health and safety and infection control procedures.

Skills

Cooking skills

Food safety

Communication skills

Dietary accommodation

Job description

We are seeking a Cook to work as part of our Bank Team (casual hours) to ensure excellent catering for patients, staff and visitors. In addition, successful applicants will join the opening team for a new Bistro 'Seasons @St. Luke's by AnuragFoodStory' opening in Summer 2026. The bistro will be welcoming and modern; reimagining how food can support wellbeing in a care setting, whilst opening doors for the local community to enjoy excellent food in beautiful surroundings. The Hospice is inviting hospitality professionals at all stages of their careers - from entry level to experienced to be part of the project. The roles offer the opportunity to: Work alongside a BBC MasterChef UK finalist and published author learn, develop and grow hospitality and catering skills be part of a new and innovative hospitality concept be part of a team making a tangible difference in the community

In this role you will:

• Prepare and cook meals according to menus, recipes and portion specifications ensuring consistency and presentation standards are met.
• Adapt meals to meet individual dietary needs, allergies and cultural preferences, following guidance from dietetic or clinical teams where required.
• Ensure all food is stored, labelled and rotated correctly to maintain freshness and minimise waste.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen, complying with Food Hygiene Regulations and internal policies.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and report any maintenance or safety issues promptly.
• Support menu planning and contribute ideas for seasonal and cost-effective dishes that meet nutritional and budgetary requirements.
• Assist with stock ordering, deliveries and accurate record keeping to control food costs.
• Work collaboratively with clinical and domestic teams to coordinate meal times and special requests.
• Follow all organisational policies including health and safety, confidentiality and infection control procedures.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor work permits or visas.

Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from candidates who are under represented in our workforce. Adjustments can be made to support applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

We are a local charity providing compassionate care to people whose illnesses are no longer curable. We promote dignity in dying and empower people to make the choices they want, from the moment they are diagnosed. Our care considers people's medical, spiritual and emotional needs, including support for loved ones and carers. Anyone living in Basildon and Thurrock can call on us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Working alongside other healthcare providers, our specialist services are available at the hospice, out in the community or in a person's place of residence. Together, we fulfil people's choices at the end of their life. We are a charity and the services we provide are free. We rely on voluntary income from local people to deliver the care they deserve.

• Have previous experience working in a commercial, healthcare or catering environment.
• Hold a recognised food hygiene qualification (Level 2 Food Safety in Catering or equivalent) or be willing to obtain one.
• Demonstrate practical cooking skills, attention to detail and the ability to produce food consistently to a high standard.
• Be organised, able to follow instructions and work effectively under time pressures.
• Have good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Be flexible with working patterns, including occasional early starts, evenings or weekends as required by service needs.
• Be able to perform manual handling tasks and stand for extended periods; reasonable adjustments can be considered.

Salary: £25,200 - £30,100 per annum (depending on experience)