Job Description

We warmly invite you to volunteer with us as a Cook at Skanda Vale Hospice where your focus will be all about creating fresh, wholesome and tasty meals to support the well-being of our patients, their families and our dedicated team. You'll have a team of kitchen helpers and together your contribution will not only nourish the body but support the overall warmth and comforting experience that uplifts and benefits everyone at the hospice.

Volunteering hours

Your hours will be flexible, based on your availability and the hospice needs. You may choose to commit to frequent regular shifts or to offer your availability monthly or by arrangement to support day hospice, respite services or hospice events.

What you'll be doing

Menu Planning:

Using your culinary creativity to plan and prepare nutritious and appetising meals, tailored to different dietary requirements.

Cooking Lunch:

Catering (with support from your team) for between 30-50 at lunchtimes.

Additional Respite Meals:

During Respite stays some of our patients like a cooked breakfast, cooked dinner and snacks so catering for them is an important element of the role.

Supporting Kitchen Management:

Keeping a clean and organised kitchen space, overseeing dishwashing plus sanitising of surfaces and equipment.

Following Food Hygiene and Safety Standards:

Keeping temperature logs, and accurate records of expiry dates and stock levels.

Working in a Team:

Working willingly with catering colleagues to support a great team spirit and a happy environment.

Personal Qualities and Experience

An ability to work well and communicate sensitively within a team, providing instruction and guidance to Kitchen Helpers. Attention to detail: Every aspect of meal preparation is important, so you'll be someone for whom quality of work and doing things carefully matters. Experience in professional catering would be beneficial but is by no means necessary - confident home cooks are also very welcome to join the team. Physical stamina is needed as our cooks are on their feet for some time. Reliability and adaptability: People will rely on you to be punctual as we need to serve meals on time. An ability to remain calm and adapt to unexpected changes is also important.

Training and support

Our Cooks receive induction, training (such as Level 2 Food Hygiene) and ongoing support to ensure they feel confident and capable in their role. This includes shadowing, one-to-one input and team development opportunities. They are also supported to become familiar with kitchen procedures, food safety guidelines and sanitation practices.

Other benefits

Sense of purpose, knowing you are making a positive difference to people in need. Seeing the pleasure your creativity and culinary skill bring to others. Being valued and appreciated as a key part of a friendly team. Working in a welcoming place with warmhearted people. Freshly laundered uniforms supplied. Earn Tempo Time Credits to spend on activities both locally and across the UK. Team wellbeing days. Travel expenses reimbursed.

Find out more

Drop in at one of our monthly Coffee Mornings, 10.30 am to 12.30 pm on the last Thursday every month. These offer the chance for an informal chat and a look around - while enjoying fresh coffee and homemade cake, free of charge. Come along, we'd love to meet you!

You can also contact us on volunteers@skandavale.org

Job Type: Volunteer

Benefits:

Company events Discounted or free food Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Application question(s):

Are you authorised to volunteer in the United Kingdom?
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Cook (volunteer role)