Job Description

Overgate Hospice

Cook

Hourly Rate

12.21

Hours

15 - 30 hours per week

Responsible to

Catering Manager

Accountable to

Head of Estates

Overgate Hospice is an independent charity with a mission to ensure that patients and those close to them live with the best possible quality of life. This is enabled by provision of the highest standard of compassionate and evidence-based specialist palliative and end of life care for adults in Calderdale who have active, progressive life limiting illness.

However, the current constraints of our ageing facilities are making this more difficult than ever. Our ambitious redevelopment plans will modernise and expand our existing facilities to transform the environment in which we care for our patients, as well as meaning we can care for more people who need us. In April 2024, Overgate Hospice launched a capital appeal, the Big Build Appeal, to raise the funds needed to make these transformational plans become a reality.

Job Summary

We are looking to recruit an experienced cook to join our friendly catering team at Overgate Hospice, to cover absence / holidays. This is a great opportunity for a reliable and motivated cook to make a real difference to the lives of the patients of the Hospice, their family and friends, our staff, and the wider community that we serve.

Minimum Qualifications / Experience Required

Previous experience of working in a kitchen

NVQ Food Preparation and Cooking level 1-2 or equivalent

Key Working Relationships

Catering Manager

Volunteers

Clinical Teams in IPU and Day Hospice

Catering Team

Housekeeping Team

Reception Team

Duties and Responsibilities

Prepare a diverse selection of meals and snacks appropriate to the needs of patients, visitors, staff, and volunteers both under the direction of the Head Cook and unsupervised as required.

To support the provision of a diverse and well-presented selection of meals and snacks for patients, visitors, staff, and volunteers, including a catering service for hospice functions.

To support patient choice by providing a highly individualised menu with kitchen staff, working in close liaison with In-Patient Unit and Day Hospice staff.

To respond to individual needs as required.

To be able to work unsupervised on a regular basis.

To provide a quality service.

Ensure that cleanliness and all food hygiene standards are maintained to the highest level.

Ensure fridges in reception are regularly checked and well-stocked with good choice of products.

To participate in the programmes of appraisal and professional development in place at the Hospice, undertaking evidence based statutory and mandatory training as required.

Health and Safety

To assist with the maintaining of appropriate records for health, safety, and environmental health purposes in a timely manner.

To be aware of compliance of statutory requirements affecting the catering service such as risk assessment, COSHH, fire and health and safety policies.

To be aware of the requirements under current regulation relating to Health and Safety legislation and reduce risk to employees, volunteers, contractors, and the public.

All catering staff members to be aware of and deliver their Health and Safety responsibilities.

Overgate General Duties & Responsibilities

Overgate Hospice is a no smoking organisation.

The employee must maintain a safe working environment in accordance with Overgate Hospices Health and Safety policies & abide by the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).

The employee must attend annual mandatory training sessions.

The employee must ensure that they comply with all Hospice policies and procedures at all times & participate in the development and implementation of Hospice policies.

The employee must maintain strict confidentiality at all times, applying to all aspects of Hospice business and work within the guidelines of the Data Protection Act.

Employees must demonstrate commitment to their own personal development and are required to make a positive contribution to fundraising and raising the profile of the Hospice locally and nationally.

Employees must adhere to the Hospice's Standards of Behaviour Framework in all aspects of their work.

Work closely with the Volunteer Services Coordinator as appropriate to ensure that any volunteers are supported in their roles, addressing any issues as they arise.

Use all Hospice resources economically and cost effectively

This job description is not exhaustive and will be subject to periodic review. The employer and the employee share responsibility to review and amend it as appropriate.

Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk

All Hospice staff are required to act in such a way that at all times safeguards the health and well-being of children and adults at risk. Familiarisation with and adherence to the Hospice safeguarding policies is an essential requirement of all employees as is participation in related mandatory/statutory training.

Valuing Diversity and Equality

All employees should carry out their duties in accordance with the values and principles of valuing diversity and equity of provision. It is the responsibility of all employees to support the Hospice vision of promoting a positive attitude to diversity and equality of opportunity, to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage in service delivery and employment, and to manage, support or comply through the implementation of the Hospice's Equal Opportunities Policy.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications/Training

Essential

A good standard of general education

Desirable

City & Guilds 7061/7062/ NVQ Equivalent Level 1/2

Knowledge/Experience

Essential

Experience of working in a busy catering environment

Knowledge & Experience of cooking

Experience of working unsupervised to consistently high standards

Minimum of 1 year's catering experience

Desirable

Experience of working with volunteers

Knowledge of specialist dietary requirements

Experience of prioritising own workload

Skills/Abilities

Essential

Good timekeeping

Excellent organisational skills

Ability to follow instructions

Flexible approach to working hours with regular weekend working

Ability to work in a team which includes volunteers

Desirable

Computer literate

Excellent communication skills (written and oral)

Personal Attributes

Essential

Understanding of and empathy with Hospice environment

Commitment to the purpose and values of Overgate Hospice

Ability to deal with conflicting demands and pressures whilst remaining calm

Team player who earns the trust and respect of colleagues

Positive professional approach and image

Be sensitive to needs of patients/carers

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 12.21 per hour

Expected hours: 15 per week

Benefits:

Canteen Company pension Free parking Life insurance On-site parking
Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday Weekend availability
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 27/07/2025