Job Description

Fabulous food is fundamental to what we offer at Skanda Vale Hospice. We're looking for a Catering Lead to inspire our volunteer catering team while creating patient-centred menus that meet all tastes, dietary needs and preferences.

During monthly respite weeks, you'll plan and oversee breakfast, lunch, and supper. For weekly Day Hospice services, you'll focus on lunch and snacks. Our catering team are some of the most popular people in the building - we need an enthusiastic lead to be the icing on the cake.

About Skanda Vale Hospice

Skanda Vale Hospice offers unhurried, highly individualised care and respite to families affected by life-limiting illnesses, completely free of charge. Compassion is at the heart of what we do, expressed by human kindness, generosity and a deep commitment to the well-being of everyone we care for and work alongside.

The Role

You'll work alongside volunteer cooks and catering assistants, helping patients with meal choices and ensuring everyone's dietary requirements are met. The role includes cooking on three to four days during Respite weeks, budget management, menu planning, food sourcing, stock control, and coordinating team rotas. You'll be working closely with the Care Delivery Team and maintaining allergy and nutritional records. You'll ensure Food Standards Agency requirements are met and will be leading relevant internal audits. You'll lead and support our volunteer catering team. You'll provide role-specific training and support for volunteers as needed while maintaining the positive relationships that make our hospice special. You'll be reviewing the existing catering governance processes. You'll be guiding our volunteer catering team to develop and continually improve kitchen operations.

Essential Requirements

Experience leading a catering team (ideally in a hospice, hospital or care setting) Experience in cooking for a wide range of dietary needs and preferences Food Hygiene Certificate Level 3 Experience working with volunteers Understanding of nutrition and food allergies Strong organisational skills

Desirable Experience

Working in a community or volunteer kitchen Leading volunteers Welsh language skills Mentorship and teaching

Personal Qualities

We need someone with a genuine passion for food and its role in care. You'll bring compassion, great listening skills, and enthusiasm for our volunteer setup. Your approachable manner and sense of humour will help create warmth, while you remain calm and professional in challenging situations.

Working with Us

All team members attend our Induction Day and ongoing training and play a part in our development processes. You'll provide support and regular reviews for the voluntary catering team, manage risks appropriately, and maintain confidentiality. A criminal records check is required.

Practical Details

Line Manager

:Head of Care Delivery

Hours

:

80 hours monthly, on-site. The majority of this will be worked during the Respite week and the weekly Day Hospice. The remaining hours will focus on ensuring that catering needs are met for induction and training days and small events (eg, coffee morning and open days). Ideally, these will be distributed evenly throughout the rest of the month. As the Hospice is developing its services, the flexibility to work one weekend a month during Respite week will be required from next year onwards, depending on the availability of the volunteer team. A small element of remote working can be arranged with the line manager after the probationary period.

Start date:

To be agreed.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 15.30-15.75 per hour

Expected hours: 8 - 20 per week

Benefits:

Company events Discounted or free food Health & wellbeing programme
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Catering Lead