Cook - CMB2667e

The Cumbria County Council; Whitehaven; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Cumberland Council is seeking a dedicated cook for our care kitchen in Whitehaven. The role involves preparing nutritious meals, planning menus with dietary considerations, and helping manage stock while maintaining hygiene standards.

The successful candidate will have a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate and a team-oriented approach, with opportunities for training and development in a supportive environment. The position is permanent and part-time (21 hours/week).

Qualifications

• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Experience cooking for diverse dietary requirements.
• Friendly, team-focused attitude.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present nutritious meals.
• Plan menus and manage stock.
• Maintain hygiene standards and smooth kitchen operations.

Skills

Cooking

Food hygiene

Dietary needs

Job description

Job reference REQ00000020367 Date posted 08/09/2026 Application closing date 05/10/2026 Location WHITEHAVEN Salary £26,428 per annum pro rata Package Blank Contractual hours 21 Basis Part time Attachments Blank

Job description

Location: The Gables, Residential Home, Whitehaven
Salary: £26,428 per annum pro rata
Hours: 21 hours per week
Contract: Permanent

About this opportunity

Cumberland Council is seeking a passionate and flexible Cook to join our dedicated care team. In this rewarding role, you’ll be responsible for preparing and presenting nutritious, appetising meals that cater to a variety of dietary needs and personal preferences. You’ll also help plan menus, manage stock, maintain hygiene standards, and ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen.

We’re looking for someone with a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate, experience in cooking for diverse dietary requirements, and a friendly, team-focused attitude. In return, you’ll enjoy a supportive working environment, opportunities for training and development, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of our residents. If you’re enthusiastic about food and care, we’d love to hear from you.

This role is available on a permanent basis.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.

We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.

Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.

Contact

For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Colette Tynan by email at [e-mail]

DBS Checks

This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is:

Enhanced DBS check.

Guaranteed Interviews

We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicantsas long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.

• Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
• Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
• Armed forces veterans whose last long term substantive employer was the armed forces

If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more .

Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments

We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Employer and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.

If you need any reasonable adjustments

to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by [e-mail] . While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.

Application and Interview information

• Closing date: 05/10/2026
• Interview date:TBC

Please read the supporting information:

• Post Specification

Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:

• Our Staff Benefits
• Candidate Support
• About Cumberland Council