Salary: £12,237 (£25,494 FTE)
18 hours per week to be worked over 2 days, variable shift pattern. Enhancements are payable for weekend working.
The Hospice of the Good Shepherd is seeking to appoint a part-time Cook to join our Catering Team and support the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals for patients, visitors, and staff. This role is integral to the hospice’s commitment to providing safe, effective, and compassionate care, in line with CQC fundamental standards.
Reporting to the Head of Catering Services, the post holder will be responsible for the preparation, cooking, and presentation of freshly prepared meals that meet individual patient needs and preferences. Food provision within the hospice plays a key role in supporting comfort, dignity, and wellbeing, and must be delivered to consistently high standards.
In addition, the post holder will be an experienced and confident baker, with the ability to produce a range of freshly baked goods for the hospice café, including cakes, pastries, and desserts. These items must be prepared to a consistently high standard, using quality ingredients and in accordance with food safety and infection prevention requirements. The ability to plan, prepare, and present baked products that are visually appealing and suitable for a hospice environment is essential, as the café plays an important role in supporting patients, visitors, and staff, and contributes positively to the overall hospice experience.
Key Responsibilities
* Prepare, cook, and present high-quality meals, including soups, main courses, desserts, cakes, smoothies, and snacks, ensuring they are appetising, nutritious, and appropriate for patients receiving palliative and end-of-life care
* Deliver meals promptly at designated times, maintaining the hospice’s standards for service, safety, and presentation
* Ensure all food preparation and service complies with current food safety legislation, infection prevention and control requirements, and recognised catering best practice
* Contribute to menu planning to ensure choice, nutritional balance, and consideration of cultural, medical, and dietary requirements
* Support catering provision for the hospice café, meetings, training sessions, and events
* Assist with food ordering, stock control, stock rotation, and receipt of deliveries in accordance with food safety standards
* Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic working environment at all times, with particular attention to end-of-shift cleaning procedures
* Accurately complete all required catering, food safety, and health and safety documentation
* Communicate professionally and sensitively with patients, relatives, visitors, and colleagues, recognising the emotional and confidential nature of the hospice environment
The successful candidate will be required to complete fire warden training and first aid training.
This role supports the hospice’s delivery of care that is safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led, as defined by the CQC. The Cook will demonstrate respect, compassion, and professionalism, recognising the importance of meals in maintaining patient dignity and enhancing quality of life.
This post is subject to a standard DBS check.
For an informal chat about the post, please contact Simon Davies, Head of Catering Services or Emily Carroll, Facilities Manager, on 01244 851 811.