Bank Cook/Chef
| Posting date: | 27 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £12.71 per hour |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 27 May 2026 |
| Location: | Quenby Rest Home Brightlingsea Rd Thorrington Colchester CO7 8JH |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Cathena Healthcare Limited |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
To prepare and deliver high-quality, nutritious meals for residents, ensuring dietary requirements, preferences, and care standards are met. As a Bank Chef, you will provide flexible cover for planned and unplanned absences, maintaining consistency in food quality and kitchen operations.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare, cook, and present meals in line with the home’s menu plans and residents’ dietary needs (including modified textures, allergens, and cultural preferences).
Ensure all food is prepared to a high standard of taste, nutrition, and presentation.
Maintain strict adherence to food hygiene, health & safety, and infection control procedures.
Monitor food stock levels and assist with stock rotation and storage in line with HACCP guidelines.
Keep accurate records (e.g., temperature logs, cleaning schedules, allergen information).
Work collaboratively with care staff to understand residents’ needs and feedback.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment at all times.
Support special events, themed days, and celebrations with appropriate menus.
Step into shifts at short notice when required, ensuring seamless continuity of service.
Skills & Experience
Essential:
Proven experience as a Chef or Cook, ideally in a care home, healthcare, or similar setting.
Knowledge of special diets (e.g., diabetic, low-sodium, fortified meals, IDDSI framework).
Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation practices.
Ability to work independently and adapt quickly in a new environment.
Good communication and teamwork skills.
Desirable:
Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate.
Experience working with elderly or vulnerable individuals.
Knowledge of nutritional needs in later life.
Personal Attributes
Compassionate and resident-focused approach.
Reliable, flexible, and able to respond to short-notice shifts.
Attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
Calm under pressure with strong time management skills.
Working Hours
Bank / zero-hours contract
Shifts may include weekdays, weekends, and holidays, depending on service needs
Compliance & Safeguarding
Adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures.
Participate in mandatory training as required.
Enhanced DBS check required.
What We Offer
Flexible working hours
Competitive hourly rate
Supportive team environment
Opportunities for training and development
Benefits:
On-site parking
Key Responsibilities
Prepare, cook, and present meals in line with the home’s menu plans and residents’ dietary needs (including modified textures, allergens, and cultural preferences).
Ensure all food is prepared to a high standard of taste, nutrition, and presentation.
Maintain strict adherence to food hygiene, health & safety, and infection control procedures.
Monitor food stock levels and assist with stock rotation and storage in line with HACCP guidelines.
Keep accurate records (e.g., temperature logs, cleaning schedules, allergen information).
Work collaboratively with care staff to understand residents’ needs and feedback.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment at all times.
Support special events, themed days, and celebrations with appropriate menus.
Step into shifts at short notice when required, ensuring seamless continuity of service.
Skills & Experience
Essential:
Proven experience as a Chef or Cook, ideally in a care home, healthcare, or similar setting.
Knowledge of special diets (e.g., diabetic, low-sodium, fortified meals, IDDSI framework).
Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation practices.
Ability to work independently and adapt quickly in a new environment.
Good communication and teamwork skills.
Desirable:
Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate.
Experience working with elderly or vulnerable individuals.
Knowledge of nutritional needs in later life.
Personal Attributes
Compassionate and resident-focused approach.
Reliable, flexible, and able to respond to short-notice shifts.
Attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
Calm under pressure with strong time management skills.
Working Hours
Bank / zero-hours contract
Shifts may include weekdays, weekends, and holidays, depending on service needs
Compliance & Safeguarding
Adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures.
Participate in mandatory training as required.
Enhanced DBS check required.
What We Offer
Flexible working hours
Competitive hourly rate
Supportive team environment
Opportunities for training and development
Benefits:
On-site parking