Cook Chef

We are currently recruiting for a reliable and experienced Relief Chef/Cook to join our client's team on a temporary basis.

Working within a 5-star rated kitchen, the successful Chef/Cook will provide nutritious, appetising meals while ensuring the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and dietary compliance. This Chef/Cook role requires confidence working within a healthcare environment where attention to detail, compassion and patient safety are essential.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants must hold:

• Level 2 Food Safety in Catering (or higher)
• Food Allergen Awareness Certification
• Relevant culinary qualification or significant professional experience as a Chef or Cook
• A valid DBS certificate or be willing to undergo a DBS check

Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous experience working as a Chef, Cook, or Chef/Cook within a hospice, hospital, care home or healthcare setting
• Understanding of, or ability to work strictly within, IDDSI guidelines for texture-modified diets
• Strong knowledge of allergen management and cross-contamination prevention
• Experience completing Safer Food Better Business (SFBB) documentation
• Excellent communication skills and fluent spoken English
• Ability to work calmly and professionally in a sensitive care environment

Key Responsibilities

As a Relief Chef/Cook, your duties will include:

• Preparing and serving meals in accordance with approved recipes and portion controls
• Producing high-quality main meals, soups and desserts through batch cooking methods
• Ensuring all patient dietary requirements, allergies and texture-modified diets are followed accurately
• Collecting and processing patient meal orders daily
• Completing preparation tasks for the following day's service
• Maintaining accurate food safety records, including temperature monitoring and cleaning schedules
• Following all colour-coded food preparation and allergen control procedures
• Adhering to Clean As You Go (CLAYGO) standards at all times
• Monitoring stock levels and reporting shortages to the Catering Manager
• Working collaboratively with catering, nursing and clinical teams to support patient care

Professional Expectations

• Be ready to commence duties at 07:55 or 11:55
• Remain available on the kitchen floor until 13:45 or 17:45 unless authorised otherwise
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality and the ability to work independently as a professional Chef/Cook
• Adapt quickly to changing patient needs, including urgent dietary requests and late admissions
• Understand the importance of maintaining dignity, respect and exceptional standards when supporting patients receiving hospice care

About You

This position would suit an experienced Chef, Cook, or Chef/Cook who takes pride in delivering excellent food and understands the important role that a Chef plays in providing comfort, care and dignity to patients. The successful Chef/Cook will be passionate about maintaining high standards and contributing positively to the healthcare environment.

This is a temporary position but may lead to a longer-term opportunity for the right Chef/Cook.