We welcome you to YMCA Derbyshire.
We have been at the heart of the community in Derbyshire since 1847. While the scope of our work has changed considerably over the years, our vision hasn't. Our holistic development in body, mind and spirit and our mission to break down barriers to achievement and help local people to fulfil their potential has remained our constant purpose.
Every year, we support over 300 individuals in our housing provision, enabling them to grow their confidence and move into education, training, employment and into independent living. Alongside this we provide a whole host of youth and community services including our own community gardens. We also provide training and education to 150 young people each year who find mainstream education more difficult, as well as high-quality childcare within our community.
Our team works hard to provide as much care and support for those who need it most, every day we make a difference.
Position:
Nursery Cook
Based:
St Marks Road, Derby
Salary:
£18,590pa
Hours:
27.5 hours per week.
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join the YMCA; a charity at the heart of the community in Derbyshire. We are committed to helping people at times of need, regardless of gender, race, ability or faith. Our values to Protect, Trust, Hope and Persevere underpin all of our services across the county.
In order to change lives YMCA Derbyshire run and market a number of commercial and support services to support a whole range of different people.
We are seeking a dedicated catering professional with a 'can-do' attitude and an ability to drive efficiency.
To ensure that the Nursery kitchen is a vibrant hub, delivering delicious, nutritious food to all children, students and staff whilst maintaining high standards of hygiene and service. This role is pivotal to the efficient and effective operation of the Nursery and our wider hospitality offer by providing cover when needed in other locations when necessary.
Role Responsibilities
* To prepare and cook healthy and nutritious meals with regard to the cultural and dietary requirements of the children, students and staff.
* To maintain high standards of food hygiene
* To plan menus in collaboration with Hospitality Team Leader and Nursery Operations manager
* To ensure all areas and equipment is cleaned and maintained
* To maintain a high level of customer service
* To develop and maintain good working relationships with new children, students and staff,
* Carry out tasks in line with HACCP and ensure all paperwork is kept up to date in line with legislation
* To respect and uphold the aims and values of the YMCA
Essential:
* Appropriate vocational qualification (minimum Level 2)
* Food Hygiene qualification (minimum level 2)
* Have a deep understanding of efficiently running a commercial kitchen or section, including stock rotation and minimising waste
* Knowledge and understanding of HACCP, Health & Safety and Environmental Health inspections.
* Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage Nutritional Guidance 2025
* Have a strong understanding of allergies and intolerances
Requirements:
YMCA Derbyshire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to thorough safeguarding checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check, in line with our safeguarding policies and a six-month probationary period.
Other information:
YMCA Derbyshire are proud to be a 'Disability Confident Employer'. If you're disabled, we will guarantee you an interview if you meet the minimum criteria for the role you've applied for. Are you a disabled candidate who would like to apply on this basis?
If you do not wish to apply under the scheme but do require us to make reasonable adjustments for you to attend an interview, then please let us know what those adjustments will be.
What we offer:
* 25 days holiday as standard with an extra 2 days after 5 years of service
* People celebration event each year. (Celebrating our Peoples Achievements)
* Recognition initiatives such as employee of the year and star of the quarter
* Smart Health app where you will have access to an online doctor for you and your family as well as nutritional advice and Mental Health assistance.
* Life Assurance 2 times your annual salary
* Real Living Wage
* Christmas/ Easter and Quarterly Treats
* Your Birthday off every year
* Long Service rewards
* Training and Development
* and more
For an informal chat please contact Sally-Ann Burrows on during the hours of 8:30am -4pm
Closing date:
17th October 2025
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible
Interview Date:
TBC
Vision
Our vision is enabling young people and communities to thrive:
– So, they can fulfil their dreams;
– have a safe space to learn and grow;
– feel equipped to belong, contribute and prosper; and
– feel supported to be active in body, mind and spirit.
Together we create places where people flourish.
Mission
To develop the whole person, body, mind and spirit.
Values
From 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Protect | Trust | Hope | Persevere
YMCA Derbyshire are committed to providing dual professionalism opportunities
We will do this by offering placements within other organisations in our community.
By supporting dual professionalism, we will improve our development, increase our experiences and outcomes which will positively impact YMCA Derbyshire, our employees, our residents and learners and our communities.
Equality and Diversity Statement
YMCA Derbyshire is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all aspects of its operations. We value and embrace individual differences and believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, irrespective of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.