Job Description

Job Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Cook to join our culinary team. This role involves providing exceptional food service and ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food preparation, menu planning, and kitchen operations, with a passion for delivering outstanding dining experiences in various settings, including fine dining and catering environments.

Duties

1. Nutrition, Hydration & Choice Plan and prepare meals that meet residents'

individual dietary requirements

, including modified textures (IDDSI), allergies, medical diets (e.g. diabetic, low-salt), and cultural or religious needs.
2. Dignity, Respect & Person-Centred Care

Respect residents' preferences, routines, and feedback regarding food and mealtimes. Promote a positive dining experience that supports residents' dignity and independence. Engage with residents, relatives, and staff to continuously improve food quality and satisfaction.
3. Food Safety & Infection Prevention

Prepare, store, and serve food in line with

Food Safety Act

,

HACCP

, and

Environmental Health

standards. Maintain high standards of

kitchen hygiene

, cleanliness, and infection prevention and control. Ensure correct use of PPE and follow cleaning schedules and COSHH guidance. Safely manage food temperatures, stock rotation, and allergen controls.
4. Health & Safety

Ensure safe use of kitchen equipment and report any faults or hazards immediately. Follow risk assessments related to food preparation, hot surfaces, and lone working. Contribute to a safe environment for residents, staff, and visitors.
5. Documentation & Compliance

Maintain accurate records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, allergen information, and stock checks. Support CQC inspections by demonstrating compliance with catering, nutrition, and hygiene requirements. Adhere to all care home policies and procedures.
6. Teamwork & Communication

Work collaboratively with care staff, management, and external professionals (e.g. dietitians, SALT). Attend training, meetings, and supervisions as required. Support new staff and follow the home's values and ethos. Ensure meals are

nutritionally balanced

, appealing, and served at appropriate temperatures. Offer

choice at every mealtime

, including alternatives where required. Support the home's

nutrition and hydration policies

and work with care staff to monitor residents at risk of malnutrition or dehydration.

Skills & Experience

Essential

Experience cooking for groups, ideally within a care, health, or hospitality setting. Knowledge of food hygiene and safe food handling. Understanding of special diets and allergens. Ability to work within CQC-regulated environments.
Desirable

Experience in a care home or healthcare setting. Knowledge of

IDDSI

framework for modified diets. Understanding of malnutrition (MUST) and hydration needs.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 12.25-12.75 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Work Location: In person