Cook

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

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday including bank holidays

Access up to 40% of pay before payday

Career development opportunities

Free DBS check

Job summary

Leonard Cheshire is seeking a Cook at Newlands House in Derbyshire. This occasional hours role focuses on creating quality meals for disabled adults in a caring environment, with opportunities for professional development.

Key responsibilities include meal preparation, menu planning, and maintaining hygiene standards in a team-oriented setting. The company offers a supportive atmosphere with flexible scheduling and numerous benefits including holiday entitlement and health plans.

Qualifications

• Ability to prepare, cook, and serve meals to high standards.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
• Experience in menu planning and managing food budgets.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook high-quality meals on time.
• Plan varied seasonal menus catering to dietary needs.
• Maintain hygiene and cleanliness standards according to regulations.

Skills

Catering qualification

Experience in kitchen environment

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

£13.50 per hour | Occasional hours | Newlands House

“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

Newlands House, in the peaceful village of Netherseal in Derbyshire, supports up to 35 disabled adults to live their lives to the full. Close to beautiful parklands, you’re in the perfect location for tranquillity and peace

This is a occasional hours role, with flexibility to work across weekdays and weekends.

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.

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