Passionate Chef Wanted! Enjoy work-life balance while creating fresh, homemade meals. Are you an experienced Chef with a love for crafting nutritious, homemade dishes? Do you thrive in a professional kitchen catering to a variety of dietary needs? If you're looking for a rewarding role with great work-life balance, we’d love to hear from you! Here at Rainbows Children’s Hospice, we provide specialist palliative care and end-of-life support to over 750 Babies, Children, and Young People living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as approximately 3,000 people, including families, siblings, and carers, across the East Midlands. Simply put, we’re here to brighten short lives and support families, wherever they are. We are currently seeking a passionate and experienced Chef to join our dedicated Catering Team at our Hospice in Loughborough. You will play a key role in preparing nutritious, home-style meals that support the comfort and wellbeing of children, families, staff, and visitors. Location: Rainbows Hospice, Lark Rise, Loughborough (No travel required) Hours: 37.5 hours per week, typically working between 8:30am and 6:30pm (rota pattern across Monday – Sunday) About the role Some of the key responsibilities include (but not limited to): Prepare and cook fresh, homemade meals for Babies, Children, Young People, Families, Staff, and Visitors. Create flexible, sensitive menus to meet a wide range of dietary, cultural, and religious needs. Collaborate with care teams, parents, and young people to tailor food to specific preferences or dietary requirements. Ensure HACCP systems are maintained and all kitchen operations meet health and safety standards. Maintain kitchen cleanliness and equipment safety, reporting any incidents promptly. Further responsibilities in the role can be found by downloading the Job Description. Essential requirements NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking Level 2 Basic Food Hygiene Allergy Awareness training Experience cooking fresh meals from scratch Experience managing a kitchen and catering for special diets Knowledge of HACCP, COSHH & Health and Safety regulations Desirable requirements NVQ Level 3 in Food Safety & Hygiene (or working towards it) Experience catering for events Knowledge of food allergies and intolerances Further requirements can be found by downloading the Person Specification. Our Benefits include: Free onsite parking at the Hospice, Lark Rise, Loughborough. Eligibility to join blue light card discount scheme and Company Shop. Healthcare Cashback plan. Life Assurance. 27 days holiday. Plus bank holiday allowance but expectation to work bank holidays in this role. Contributory pension scheme or Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme. Affordable meals at the Hospice, Lark Rise, Loughborough. Free Tea, Coffee and Fruit whilst at the Hospice Free access to an employee assistance programme Wellbeing support and access to Mental Health First Aiders Unofficial benefits: Fun events, All staff away days, Guest visitors For further information about this role and the responsibilities please contact Michael Cayless (Catering Manager) on To apply for the role please click ‘apply now’ to complete an online application form. If you require an alternative method of applying or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments further, please contact the people team at This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and comprehensive pre-employment screening, including employment referencing covering the past five years. Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Previous applicants need not apply.