Cook (fixed term 6 months)
| Posting date: | 16 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £13.34 per hour |
| Additional salary information: | Competitive |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 14 February 2026 |
| Location: | Derby, DE24 8WZ |
| Company: | Cygnet |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | JR781 |
Summary
Helping others improve and turn their lives around – there’s no better feeling. It’s what we do for thousands of people at more than 150 sites across the UK. Be a part of it.
We are looking for an outstanding Cook who’s passionate about food and wants to make a difference.
You’ll be working 40 hours a week at Cygnet Hospital Derby, creating an excellent experience for the people in our care.
The role is a fixed term contract for 6 months. Working 8 hours per day, 5 days a week including weekend/bank holiday dependant on rota. Shifts patterns are 07:00 – 16:00, 09:00 – 17:00, or 10:00 – 18:00.
Cygnet Hospital Derby provides low secure and mental health rehabilitation care based on the Recovery Model. Our integrated male care pathway includes Litchurch Ward, our low secure ward, and the Wyvern Unit, our mental health rehabilitation service. Alvaston Ward, our specialist female personality disorder service, is one of the leading services of its kind in the East and West Midlands.
At Cygnet, our perks go way beyond pension schemes and excellent professional development.
You’ll also enjoy shopping, travel and leisure discounts – as well as a range of healthcare and financial benefits – to support you to be happy both in and out of work.
With us, you’ll have the chance to progress your career in a vibrant, supportive culture tailored to help you thrive.
Apply now to enjoy excellent career prospects while being part of an organisation that cares about helping people.
Your Day-to-Day...- Prepare, cook & serve nutritional, balanced and appetising meals for patients, staff & visitors
- Liaise with nursing colleagues to meet patients’ nutritional & dietary needs
- Ensure the cleanliness of the kitchen, service areas & dining room
- Supervise kitchen staff when deputising for the Head Chef
- Maintain personal hygiene to comply with Cygnet standards and food hygiene regulations
- Handle, maintain & store kitchen equipment in accordance with Cygnet procedures
- Use chemicals in line with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.
You are...
- A skilled chef, preferably with experience in the care sector
- The holder of a basic food hygiene certificate, with good personal hygiene standards
- Polite & professional, with a positive attitude to internal & external quests at all times
- An excellent communicator able to liaise with people at all levels
- Able to work on your own initiative, as part of a team & under supervision
- Qualified in catering to City & Guilds 706: 1 & 2 level or NVQ Level 2/3
Why Cygnet? We’ll offer you…
- £13.34 per hour
- Flexible working with the opportunity for overtime
- Regular coaching & appraisal
- Expert supervision & peer support
- NHS and blue light discount
- Employee discount savings & Cycle to Work scheme
- 24 hours free GP helpline
- Discounted gym membership
- Free eye tests
- On site benefits including free meals
- Plus much more
Please note: successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
What next?
If you care about making a difference – we want to talk to you.
Click the button to apply
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme