Job Description

Do you love cooking and want to make a real difference in people's lives by providing nourishing, home-style meals. We are looking for a cook to join our team preparing and serving meals to the residents of our care home.

About Shearwater

Shearwater is in the Milton area of Portsmouth and is a purpose built 40 bed dementia residential home, which opened in August 2009. The accommodation is spread over 2 floors in units of 20 per floor. All bedrooms have a private ensuite with a shower. The home also has a good-sized garden for residents to enjoy.


We currently have around 100 staff working different roles and different shifts throughout the home.


The second floor is currently not occupied and is being used for the council's contingency plan, plus activity area for residents.


Our philosophy is to encourage independence, though we recognise severe dementia may require residential care. We promote well-being through person centred activities and supporting diversity.

Your new role

You will be managing a set budget and producing nutritionally based meals, including special dietary requirements. Planning and producing a varied and exciting menu to meet the requirements of residents using seasonal produce. Following the stock ordering process for the kitchen and dealing with various suppliers. Checking the delivery of supplies and arranging appropriate storage. Preparing food on a daily business with the help of a kitchen assistant/s.


Responsible for the overall Health & Safety in the kitchen, including induction of new staff or agency support to the equipment, environment, and maintenance within the scope of your job role. Report any concerns to the senior team in a timely manner.


Work with the wider Shearwater team to ensure all kitchens records are kept up to date, including resident nutrition information records, servicing of equipment, policies and procedures are being followed. Overseeing the kitchen cleaning schedule and ensuring all kitchen staff are following national guidance provided including COSHH.


Support the activity team to cater for special activities, events and residents birthdays.

What you'll need to succeed

You need to have:


An advanced qualification in catering, for example, City and Guilds 701/702 and a basic food hygiene certificate (or working towards a suitable qualification)


Proven cookery skills including producing quality cakes, pastry, savoury and sweet dishes with balanced flavour and attention to detail.


The ability to organise and lead kitchen staff, you will be expected to cook for up to 40 residents. With the ability to keep within a set budget whilst still providing quality, variety for residents and minimise waste.


A good knowledge of food and nutrition requirements for our specific service, including a good range of special dietary requirements and be able to plan seasonal menus to reflect this. Knowledge and understanding of food safety including IDDSI and food intolerances or allergies. (IDDSI training will be provided)


Good interpersonal and communication skills. Flexibility in being able to adapt to changing workloads of the team and the requirements of the unit.


An understanding of the policy regarding safeguarding vulnerable people.


Please note this interview process will be two phases. If you are successful to pass the initial interview you will be invited back to demonstrate your cooking skills by cooking one cake and one pot savoury dish that requires the use of herbs and spices. All items will be provided on the day and taste tested by our residents.

Please read the job profile for the full details of this role

Application process

We anonymise applications during application & shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered.


As part of your application we ask that you complete a personal statement, this statement is crucial and is where you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience.


We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

About Portsmouth City Council

What we can offer you:

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our careers portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.


DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.


Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board safer recruitment procedures.

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616800