Cook
This is a Permanent, Part Time vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.
The Vacancy
Salary: £21,068 (£26,336 FTE) plus enhancements for weekend work.
30 hours per week, variable shift pattern over 7 days
The Hospice of the Good Shepherd is seeking to appoint a part-time Cook to join our Catering Team and support the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals for patients, visitors, and staff. This role is integral to the hospice’s commitment to providing safe, effective, and compassionate care, in line with CQC fundamental standards.
Reporting to the Head of Catering Services, the post holder will be responsible for the preparation, cooking, and presentation of freshly prepared meals that meet individual patient needs and preferences. Food provision within the hospice plays a key role in supporting comfort, dignity, and wellbeing, and must be delivered to consistently high standards.
In addition, the post holder will be an experienced and confident baker, with the ability to produce a range of freshly baked goods for the hospice café, including cakes, pastries, and desserts. These items must be prepared to a consistently high standard, using quality ingredients and in accordance with food safety and infection prevention requirements. The ability to plan, prepare, and present baked products that are visually appealing and suitable for a hospice environment is essential, as the café plays an important role in supporting patients, visitors, and staff, and contributes positively to the overall hospice experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, cook, and present high-quality meals, including soups, main courses, desserts, cakes, smoothies, and snacks, ensuring they are appetising, nutritious, and appropriate for patients receiving palliative and end-of-life care
- Deliver meals promptly at designated times, maintaining the hospice’s standards for service, safety, and presentation
- Ensure all food preparation and service complies with current food safety legislation, infection prevention and control requirements, and recognised catering best practice
- Contribute to menu planning to ensure choice, nutritional balance, and consideration of cultural, medical, and dietary requirements
- Support catering provision for the hospice café, meetings, training sessions, and events
- Assist with food ordering, stock control, stock rotation, and receipt of deliveries in accordance with food safety standards
- Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic working environment at all times, with particular attention to end-of-shift cleaning procedures
- Accurately complete all required catering, food safety, and health and safety documentation
- Communicate professionally and sensitively with patients, relatives, visitors, and colleagues, recognising the emotional and confidential nature of the hospice environment
The successful candidate will be required to complete fire warden training and first aid training.
This role supports the hospice’s delivery of care that is safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led, as defined by the CQC. The Cook will demonstrate respect, compassion, and professionalism, recognising the importance of meals in maintaining patient dignity and enhancing quality of life.
This post is subject to a standard DBS check.
If you would like an informal chat about the post, please contact Simon Davies, Head of Catering Services or Emily Carroll, Facilities Manager, on 01244 851 811.
About Us
The Hospice is a great place to work and volunteer. Based in Backford, Chester (with retail shops in Chester and Ellesmere Port), the Hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care in a welcoming and compassionate environment.
Our specialist team of medical and nursing staff deliver end of life care to our patients and support their families, carers and friends but our services are varied across a number of disciplines and reflect the diverse nature of our care and support. In addition to Doctors, Nurses and Health care roles, we employ staff in a wide range of roles including Fundraising and Retail in our charity shops, Housekeeping and Catering, Social Work and Family Support such as Counselling and Spiritual Care, Living Well / Day Services as well as Business Support functions such as Administration, People & Development and Finance.
We also have a large number of Volunteer roles in all these service areas. We have been supported by our volunteers ever since the hospice was established and we now have over 400 people contributing their time in so many different ways. Every hour volunteered allows us to continue providing specialist care and we are always welcoming applications for new volunteers so please get in touch.
We believe that equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination is a fundamental right for everyone, and that diversity within our organisation and our community is a strength to be valued, promoted and developed.
Being a part of and supporting such a diverse community, it is vital that our staff and volunteer team represents the community in which we work. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life and backgrounds irrespective of people’s age, disability, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances.
We understand that people perform better when they can be themselves and that by creating an environment that includes everyone, our staff will perform to their full potential.
We do not discriminate against employees and volunteers or applicants and select the best person for each job or role based on relevant skills and experience.
Our People
Our Benefits
Pension
Defined Contribution Company Pension scheme for all staff (and NHS pension for some Clinical roles* Conditions apply).
NHS Terms and Conditions
NHS Agenda for Change terms and conditions for Nurses and Health Care Assistants. SAS contract terms and conditions for Hospice Doctors.
Salary Sacrifice Benefits
Cycle to work, home technology, holidays and more.
Employee Assistance Programme
24/7 confidential support and counselling service for staff.
Discounts and Lifestyle Savings
Eligible for Blue Light Card and Vivup Highstreet savings. In most retailers and supermarkets.
Generous holiday entitlement
Starting at 28 days + bank holidays and increasing with service.
Flexible
Working
We offer flexible working and hybrid working for those roles that enable it.
Mental Health First aiders on-site
Onsite Café and staff discount
Long Service Awards and Employee Recognition
Free on-site parking
Wellbeing Initiatives
Our Values
Care & Compassion
Dignity & Respect
Excellent Communication
Teamwork & Collaboration
Trust & Honesty
Our Strategic Priorities
Our Care
Our Culture
Our People
Our Resources
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