Multi-Site Cook

Havens Hospices; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 9,500 - 12,000; Part time

Job summary

Havens Hospices is seeking a Multi-Site Cook to join our Facilities Team at Fair Havens and Little Havens Hospice. This part-time role involves preparing, cooking and serving nutritious meals for patients, visitors, staff and volunteers across both sites, with a focus on care and compassion.

You will manage stock, ensure safe food handling and hygiene, and support volunteers while adhering to HACCP and health and safety standards. A rewarding role in a caring charity environment.

Qualifications

• GCSE level or equivalent for English and Numeracy
• Level 2 Food safety certificate
• Experience in working within a catering team
• Knowledge of special dietary requirements
• Good understanding of food hygiene

Responsibilities

• Liaise with patients and families to guide meal selections across Havens Hospices sites (Little Havens & Fair Havens)
• Prepare, cook and serve meals and snacks for patients, visitors, staff and volunteers
• Check stock levels and manage fridge/freezer temperatures
• Work within budget and avoid over-ordering; ensure proper storage
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and hygiene per rosters and standards
• Supervise volunteers to ensure safe and hygienic work
• Ensure meals are prepared according to HACCP and health and safety guidelines

Skills

GCSE level or equivalent

Level 2 Food safety certificate

Demonstrable experience in catering

Special dietary requirements

Food hygiene knowledge

Job description

Contract: Permanent - Part Time, 16
Salary: £10,603.80 per annum
Closing Date: 19th October 2026

Join our team as a Multi-Site Cook at Havens Hospices - where every meal makes a difference!

Are you passionate about cooking and making people feel cared for through food? We’re looking for a dedicated Cook to join our well-established Facilities Team at Fair Havens and Little Havens Hospice, working multisite at our Bistro at Fair Havens and Dining Room at Little Havens.

In this rewarding role, you’ll play a key part in providing high-quality, nutritious meals for our patients, visitors, staff, and volunteers. From preparing fresh daily menus to serving a variety of wholesome meals and snacks, you’ll help support the health and wellbeing of everyone who walks through our doors.

We’re looking for someone who takes pride in their food, enjoys working in a team, and is committed to delivering meals with care and compassion.

This is a part-time opportunity to join a friendly and supportive environment where your culinary skills will truly make a difference.

At Havens Hospices, we care for children, young people and adults with complex or incurable conditions. Our specialist Care Teams can support them and their family living throughout illness, death and bereavement in the comfort of their own home and through our hospice services, Fair Havens and Little Havens.

Our Purpose and Values are the foundation of our charity identity and everything we do. They guide our decisions, actions and strategy toward a shared goal.

Our Purpose is ‘Making every day count with expert, compassionate hospice care - for today’s families and tomorrow’s future.’

Our Values are:

• Lead with Compassion
• Connect with our Community
• Value Everyone
• Build Trust
• Drive Progress

Working at Havens Hospices allows you to give the gift of time to patients and families, creating memories. Although you may not be giving direct care to our patients, your contribution will have an immediate effect on our care services.

In return for your expertise and passion, you will receive a competitive salary package, and most of all, by making the most of every day you work at Havens Hospices you’ll be helping us continue ‘Making every day count’ for those who need us most.

At Havens Hospices we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and patients and expect all colleagues to share this commitment.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Main Responsibilities:

• To liaise with patients and their families, giving guidance on meal selections reflecting their dietary requirements across both Havens Hospices sites (Little Havens & Fair Havens)
• To prepare, cook, and serve all types of meals / snacks for patients, visitors, staff, and volunteers, applying daily menu choice ensuring all patients, visitors, staff and volunteers receive a nourished, well-balanced diet
• Check and manage stock levels, replenishing goods in date, recording of fridge/freezer temperatures
• Work within the budget set ensuring that food stock is managed appropriately and not over ordered, remaining securely stored
• Controls wastage and reports all wastage as appropriate
• Be responsible for the cleanliness of the kitchen and all associated areas to the required standards by adhering to cleaning rosters
• Aid in supervising volunteers to ensure all work is performed safely and hygienically, in accordance with Health & Safety and Hygiene standards
• Ensure all meals are prepared according to HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) and food health and hygiene systems recording all evidence as required in line with the Environmental Health and Healthcare Commission.

Person Specification:

The following outlines the key skills, experience and qualifications we are looking for in the successful candidate; this is not an exhaustive list.

• GCSE level or equivalent as applicable for English and Numeracy
• Level 2 Food safety certificate
• Demonstrable experience in working within a catering team
• Knowledge and experience in working with special dietary requirements.
• Good level of understanding of food hygiene