Cook

Leonard Cheshire; Sevenoaks; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading care provider in Sevenoaks is seeking bank staff for a kitchen role. You will prepare and serve high-quality meals for adults with learning disabilities, ensuring individual dietary needs are met. Ideal applicants will have catering qualifications and experience in a kitchen environment. Enhanced pay for evenings and weekends, alongside a supportive work culture and various benefits are offered.

Benefits

28 days holiday per annum inclusive of bank holidays

Free Blue Light Card for discounts

Health cash plan for affordable healthcare

Career development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Recognised catering qualification or willingness to work towards this.
• Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate or higher.
• Experience working in a kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals on time.
• Plan varied, seasonal menus that meet dietary needs.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Catering qualification

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Experience in a kitchen environment

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Catering qualification (or willingness to work towards this)

Job description

£12.90 per hour | Occasional Hours - Bank staff | Chipstead Lake, Sevenoaks

“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.

Overview

A home, not just a service
Our Chipstead Lake service supports adults with learning 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

This is a bank hours role, covering sickness and planned holidays.

Typical shifts may include:

• Morning shifts: [e.g. 7am–6pm]

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

Why you’ll love working here

• Enhanced pay for evenings and weekends
• 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
• Referral bonuses: Earn unlimited rewards through our Refer a Friend scheme
• 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

We are one of the UK’s most respected providers of care and supported living services, with 87% of our services rated ‘good’ or ‘very good’ by regulators. Established over 75 years ago, we exist to support disabled people to live, learn, and work as independently as possible.

Ready to apply?

If you’re ready to start a role where your work really matters, click Apply Now. Or pop in and chat with us – we’re happy to answer questions and tell you more.

Equal Opportunity

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.