Cook

Leonard Cheshire; Sevenoaks; On-site; GBP 15,343 - 21,852; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)

Access to 40% of pay before payday

Free Blue Light Card

Contributory Pension Scheme

Health cash plan

Opportunities for catering qualifications

Free DBS check

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Leonard Cheshire is looking for a Cook for their Chipstead Lake service in Sevenoaks. The role involves preparing and serving high-quality meals while catering to the individual dietary needs of adults with learning disabilities. You will work occasional hours, covering sickness and planned holidays, collaborating closely with care teams.

We offer 28 days holiday per annum, career development opportunities, and a contributory pension scheme. If you're passionate about food and want to make a difference, we would love to hear from you.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a kitchen environment.
• Ability to manage budgets and maintain records.
• A genuine commitment to the values and ethos of Leonard Cheshire.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve high-quality meals on time.
• Plan seasonal menus that meet nutritional needs.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
• Supervise catering staff and manage food stocks.

Skills

Recognised catering qualification

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Experience in kitchen environment

Menu planning

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Knowledge of health and safety

Education

Recognised catering qualification or willingness to work towards it

Job description

£13.50 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.

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.

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

• 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.