Cook

Leonard Cheshire; Royal Tunbridge Wells; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday per annum incl. bank

Access up to 40% of pay before payday

Blue Light Card discounts

Contributory Pension & life cover

Health cash plan

Career development opportunities

Free DBS check

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Leonard Cheshire is seeking a Cook for Seven Springs in Tunbridge Wells. This part-time role (30 hours/week) offers £14 per hour with shifts 7:30–1:30, five days a week including weekends. You’ll plan menus, prepare meals, and work with care teams to meet individual dietary needs.

You’ll ensure hygiene and safety standards, manage stock and budgets, and may train catering staff. A recognised catering qualification and Level 3 Food Hygiene are preferred.

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 principles.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• 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

Catering qualification

Food Hygiene Level 3

Kitchen experience

Menu planning

Budget management

Team supervision

Food safety

Communication skills

Education

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Job Description

Cook - Job Description 2024.pdf (https://leonardcheshire.avature.net/careersmarketplace/JobDetail/764/attachment/563a8088-0cd7-447e-bd23-ea6436c3e05d)

£14 per hour | Part-time - 30 hours per week |Seven Springs - Tunbridge Wells

“It’s about creating meals that make people feel cared for – every plate is an opportunity to make someone’s day.”

That’s how one of our Cooks describes their role. If you’re passionate about food, take pride in your kitchen, and want to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

A home, not just a service

Our Seven Springs service supports adults with physical disabilities and additional needs to live their lives their way. The kitchen is the heart of our home – where we create fresh, delicious, and nutritious meals that bring people together. You’ll plan menus, prepare food, and work closely with our care teams to make sure everyone’s individual dietary needs are met.

Your working hours

We offer 30 hours per week. Shifts are 7:30 - 1:30pm, working 5 days per week with alternating weekends

Why you’ll love working here

• 28 days holiday per annum inclusive of bank holidays (+1 every year up to 33 days)
• 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

What helps you shine here

• 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 principles
• Good communication and organisational skills
• 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.

Ready to apply?

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. A 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

LCCATERING