Cook

Leonard Cheshire; Rustington; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Pay advance option

Blue Light Card discounts

Pension & life cover

Health cash plan

Career development

Free DBS check

Employee assistance

Job summary

Leonard Cheshire is seeking a part-time cook at St Bridget’s in Rustington. You will prepare, cook, and serve meals, plan seasonal menus, and liaise with care teams to tailor dishes while upholding strict hygiene guidelines.

The role offers flexible shifts Mon, Sat, Sun with weekend coverage and opportunities for catering event work. Benefits include holiday allowance, pension and health support, and professional development.

Qualifications

• Recognised catering qualification or willingness to work towards one.
• 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.
• 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

Menu planning

Budget management

Kitchen experience

Communication

Organisational skills

Health and safety knowledge

Education

Catering qualification

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

£14.00 per hour | Part-time 31.5hours a week | St Bridget's

“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

In the seaside village of Rustington in West Sussex, St Bridget’s is home for 38 physically disabled adults. Our service feels like family – relaxed, supportive, and centred around the people who live here. Every day brings new moments to celebrate: from small wins in independence to big laughs over mealtimes.

This is a part time role.

Typical Shifts:

• Mondays 7-2 & 3-6.30
• Saturday 7-2 & 3-6.30
• Sunday 7-2 & 3-6.30

Why you’ll love working here

As well as providing support for your wellbeing and development, we offer a fantastic range of benefits:

• 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.

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