Cook

Leonard Cheshire; Deddington; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Early pay access

Blue Light Card

Pension & life cover

Health cash plan

Career development

DBS check

Employee support program

Job summary

Leonard Cheshire at Agnes Court, Banbury seeks an enthusiastic cook to prepare and serve meals that meet residents’ dietary needs. The role requires planning varied menus, coordinating with care teams, and maintaining HACCP-compliant hygiene standards.

Role offers flexible occasional hours across weekdays and weekends, with shifts from early morning to late afternoon. Join a team dedicated to providing welcoming, home-like catering for people with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Recognised catering qualification (or willingness to work towards this)
• Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (or Level 4) and HACCP accreditation
• Experience working in a kitchen environment
• Ability to plan menus, manage budgets, and maintain records
• Knowledge of health and safety, food hygiene, and infection control principle
• Good communication and organisational skill
• A genuine commitment to the values and ethos of Leonard Cheshire

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve high‑quality meals and beverages on time
• Plan varied, seasonal menus that meet nutritional and dietary needs
• Liaise with care teams and customers to create personalised menus
• Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in line with HACCP and COSHH regulations
• Manage food stocks, orders, and budgets effectively
• Supervise and support catering staff, including training and rota planning
• Provide catering for events, parties, and special occasions
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements

Skills

Good communication

Organisational skill

Commitment to Leonard Cheshire values

Education

Recognised catering qualification

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (or Level 4) and HACCP accreditation

Job description

Benefits

• 28 days holiday (20 days + 8 days bank holiday) per annum
• Stream: Access up to 40% of your pay before payday
• Free Blue Light Card: Exclusive discounts and benefits
• Contributory Pension Scheme & competitive life cover
• Health cash plan: Affordable healthcare at your fingertips
• Career development: Opportunities for recognised catering qualifications
• Free DBS check
• Employee Assistance Programme support when you need it most

What You’ll Do

• Prepare, cook, and serve high‑quality meals and beverages on time
• Plan varied, seasonal menus that meet nutritional and dietary needs
• Liaise with care teams and customers to create personalised menus
• Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in line with HACCP and COSHH regulations
• Manage food stocks, orders, and budgets effectively
• Supervise and support catering staff, including training and rota planning
• Provide catering for events, parties, and special occasions
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements

Qualifications & Requirements

• Recognised catering qualification (or willingness to work towards this)
• Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (or Level 4) and HACCP accreditation
• Experience working in a kitchen environment
• Ability to plan menus, manage budgets, and maintain records
• Knowledge of health and safety, food hygiene, and infection control principle
• Good communication and organisational skill
• A genuine commitment to the values and ethos of Leonard Cheshire

About Leonard Cheshire: Established over 75 years ago, we exist to support disabled people to live, learn, and work as independently as possible.

Equality & Inclusion

Leonard Cheshire welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

We actively encourage applications from people with a disability, supporting where possible, your requirements for reasonable adjustments. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk.

Satisfactory disclosure check (PVG membership in Scotland) is required for this post. References will be obtained for all roles. Visa sponsorship is not available at this time. Applicants must have the unrestricted right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are unable to progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship or are awaiting a visa decision.

£13.50 per hour | Occasional hours | Agnes Court, Banbury

Its about creating meals that make people feel cared for every plate is an opportunity to make someones day. Thats how one of our Cooks describes their role. If youre passionate about food, take pride in your kitchen, and want to make a real difference, wed love to hear from you.

A home, not just a service: Agnes Court is home for 24 adults with physical disabilities who deserve a clean, safe and welcoming environment. From keeping communal spaces sparkling to making sure laundry comes back fresh and neatly pressed, youll be part of the heartbeat that makes our service feel like home.

Your working hours: This is for occasional hours, with flexibility to work across weekdays and weekends as part of a rota. Typical shifts may include:

• Morning shifts: 7am-3pm
• Afternoon shifts: 10am-6pm

We will work with you to agree a pattern that suits the needs of the service and you.

Why you'll love working here: As well as providing support for your…