Are you a passionate and experienced chef looking for a rewarding role where your skills make a real difference? We are looking for a talented and dedicated individual to join our hospice catering team, delivering high-quality, nutritious meals to patients, visitors, and staff. At our hospice, food is more than just a mealits a source of comfort, care and connection. This is not a "heat-and-serve" role we prepare fresh, seasonal, and thoughtfully presented meals from scratch, each one carefully designed to support wellbeing and provide comfort, even in the most difficult of times.The kitchen is a genuinely positive place to be, where your ideas and input are valued, and where the impact of your work can be seen and felt every single day.Weekend cover required is on a 2 out of 3 weekend rota basis.
We are looking for a dedicated and experienced catering professional who is a true team player. You will hold an NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation (or equivalent) and a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, and bring with you at least three years experience working in a busy catering environment, ideally within a healthcare or similar care-focused setting.Youll also need to demonstrate the ability to support and guide volunteers, contribute positively to team meetings and training, and show flexibility in supporting different areas of the catering service as needed.
Ashgate Hospice, based in North Derbyshire, offers free palliative and end of life care for adults with life-limiting or incurable illnesses, including cancer, neurological diseases, and advanced heart, kidney, and lung conditions. Our aim is to support our patients by keeping them informed, managing their symptoms, and improving their quality of life from diagnosis onwards.We also provide vital support to the people who are important to them, offering practical assistance and emotional support, including bereavement services. Were more than a care provider. Were a campaigner for sustainable end of life care funding in the UK, and we continually invest in our services and workforce.
Leading the kitchen during shifts, ensuring high standards of food quality and safety. Preparing and serving fresh, nutritious, and often bespoke meals for patients, visitors, and staff. Supervising and supporting Catering Assistants and volunteers, helping to organise tasks and oversee service. Maintaining a safe, clean, and well-organised kitchen, upholding food hygiene and HACCP standards. Continuously improving our catering service, working with the team to develop menus and uphold best practices Mentoring and training team members, sharing knowledge and supporting professional development. Leading the kitchen during shifts, ensuring high standards of food quality and safety. Preparing and serving fresh, nutritious, and often bespoke meals for patients, visitors, and staff. Supervising and supporting Catering Assistants and volunteers, helping to organise tasks and oversee service. Maintaining a safe, clean, and well-organised kitchen, upholding food hygiene and HACCP standards. Continuously improving our catering service, working with the team to develop menus and uphold best practices Mentoring and training team members, sharing knowledge and supporting professional development. Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to work towards Level 3 Intermediate).
NVQ Level 2 qualification in Food Preparation.
Knowledge and experience of HACCP and food safety procedures.
Intermediate or Advanced Food Hygiene Certificate.
Experience in menu planning, pricing, and cost control
Ability to plan ahead for rotas and menu schedules
Ability to supervise and delegate tasks effectively to Catering Assistants.
Experience working in a busy kitchen as a cook or chef
Stock-taking experience
Previous experience in a food preparation environment
Ability to manage a busy and diverse catering environment while maintaining a high standard of patient,
Knowledge of food allergies, intolerances and the preparation of specialised dietary menus (e.g., Understanding of confidentiality and data protection requirements
A solid understanding of food hygiene, health & safety, and COSHH regulations
Previous experience in hospitality or healthcare catering
Knowledge of ingredients and their nutritional value, including how to increase calorific content where
Understanding of the IDDSI framework and its application in a catering environment
Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to work towards Level 3 Intermediate).
NVQ Level 2 qualification in Food Preparation.
Knowledge and experience of HACCP and food safety procedures.
Intermediate or Advanced Food Hygiene Certificate.
Experience in menu planning, pricing, and cost control
Ability to plan ahead for rotas and menu schedules
Ability to supervise and delegate tasks effectively to Catering Assistants.
Experience working in a busy kitchen as a cook or chef
Stock-taking experience
Previous experience in a food preparation environment
Ability to manage a busy and diverse catering environment while maintaining a high standard of patient,
Knowledge of food allergies, intolerances and the preparation of specialised dietary menus (e.g., Understanding of confidentiality and data protection requirements
A solid understanding of food hygiene, health & safety, and COSHH regulations
Previous experience in hospitality or healthcare catering
Knowledge of ingredients and their nutritional value, including how to increase calorific content where
Understanding of the IDDSI framework and its application in a catering environment
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Ashgate Hospice
Employer's website