Proud to be not-for-profit, at Sanctuary Care we provide high quality care homes where people are looked after with the utmost dignity and respect. At the very heart of everything we do is our mission to go beyond the standard expectation of providing great care, by doing everything we can to enrich the lives of the residents we are privileged to care for, their loved ones and as importantly, our dedicated and valued staff.
Assistant Chef
Shaftesbury House Residential Care Home, Cowper Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 5JD
Pay (£13.49 per hour)
27 hours per week –no late nights, no split shifts
Cook up your career in care with a better work-life balance
We believe providing culinary excellence is more than a job – it’s a calling, and we’d love you to be part of it. We’re excited to welcome an Assistant Chef to our friendly team at Shaftesbury House Residential Care Home in Ipswich .
We're proudly Investors in People Gold accredited and not-for-profit, which means every penny we make goes straight back into our people and our homes. Whether you’ve already found your calling or you’re still discovering it, we’ll support you every step of the way. From your first day to your dream role, we’ll help you get there.
When you join Sanctuary Care, you’re joining an award-winning team where colleagues and residents truly matter. We’re proud winners of the 2025 Nursing Times Award for Care of Older People and the 2025 Care Home Awards Best for Training and Development, and Outstanding Larger Care Home Group.
Your role
1. Prepare varied, high-quality menus with the Chef Manager
2. Enjoy a better work-life balance – no late nights, no split shifts, and more time for you
3. Promote and maintain food hygiene and safety standards
4. Carry out risk assessments and keep the kitchen clean and safe
5. Engage daily with residents, visitors and colleagues in a friendly way
6. Support a positive dining experience for everyone
Your skills
7. Experience in a catering environment
8. Valid food hygiene certificate
9. Friendly and approachable with a passion for good food
10. Ability to work well as part of a team
11. Commitment to high standards of safety and care
Your rewards
You deserve more than the basics. That’s why, alongside 20 days’ annual leave (pro rata, plus bank holidays), occupationalsick pay linked to length of service, and a contributorypension, we’ve created a package to help you thrive:
12. CQC/CI inspection bonus
13. Health and wellbeing support– including Aviva Digicare+ with virtual GP appointments, plus an Employee Assistance Programme offering medical, financial, and legal advice, as well as short-term counselling
14. Company-paid life insurance
15. Parental leave arrangementsandpaid volunteering days
16. Company-funded training and ongoing career development opportunities, including our Team Leader Development Programme
17. Flexible working options
18. Free staff mealson long shifts
19. Exclusive retail discounts, Cycle to Work, and brand-new salary sacrifice electric car schemes
Some rewards are subject to a qualifying period or other criteria – visit our website for more information.
94% of our colleagues told us they would recommend Sanctuary Care to family and friends as a great place to work. This speaks to more than just our testament to creating a supportive culture where everyone can thrive; it’s our promise to support you with the tools, training, and encouragement to reach your full potential, while celebrating your individuality and the difference you make every day.
Ready to start an inspiring career journey with us? Apply today and join us in leading the way in care.
Curious about what it’s like to work with us? Discover our values, culture, and real stories from our teams at or follow us on socials.
Before you apply
We’re currently only accepting applications from those with the right to work in the UK.
If you’re applying internally, please use your internal careers account to submit your application.
We may receive a high volume of applications and reserve the right to close this advert early – so don’t miss out, apply as soon as you can.
Inclusion is one of our core values. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process in line with our Disability Confident employer status.