Job Description
£12.90 per hour | Occasional Hours - Bank staff | Chipstead Lake, Sevenoaks
“It’s about creating meals that make people feel cared for – every plate is an opportunity to make someone’s day.”
That’s how one of our Cooks describes their role. If you’re passionate about food, take pride in your kitchen, and want to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.
A home, not just a service
Our Chipstead Lake service supports adults with learning disabilities and additional needs to live their lives their way. The kitchen is the heart of our home – where we create fresh, delicious, and nutritious meals that bring people together. You’ll plan menus, prepare food, and work closely with our care teams to make sure everyone’s individual dietary needs are met.
Your working hours
This is a bank hours role, covering sickness and planned holidays.
Typical shifts may include:
Morning shifts: [e.g. 7am–6pm]
We’ll work with you to agree a pattern that suits the needs of the service and you.
Why you’ll love working here
As well as providing support for your wellbeing and development, we offer a fantastic range of benefits:
- Enhanced pay for evenings and weekends
- 28 days holiday per annum inclusive of bank holidays (+1 every year up to 33 days)
- Stream: Access up to 40% of your pay before payday
- Free Blue Light Card: Exclusive discounts and benefits
- Contributory Pension Scheme & competitive life cover
- Health cash plan: Affordable healthcare at your fingertips
- Career development: Opportunities for recognised catering qualifications
- Referral bonuses: Earn unlimited rewards through our Refer a Friend scheme
- Free DBS check
- Employee Assistance Programme – support when you need it most
What you’ll do
- Prepare, cook, and serve high-quality meals and beverages on time
- Plan varied, seasonal menus that meet nutritional and dietary needs
- Liaise with care teams and customers to create personalised menus
- Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in line with HACCP and COSHH regulations
- Manage food stocks, orders, and budgets effectively
- Supervise and support catering staff, including training and rota planning
- Provide catering for events, parties, and special occasions
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements
What helps you shine here
- Recognised catering qualification (or willingness to work towards this)
- Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (or Level 4) and HACCP accreditation
- Experience working in a kitchen environment
- Ability to plan menus, manage budgets, and maintain records
- Knowledge of health and safety, food hygiene, and infection control principles
- Good communication and organisational skills
- A genuine commitment to the values and ethos of Leonard Cheshire
About Leonard Cheshire
We are one of the UK’s most respected providers of care and supported living services, with 87% of our services rated ‘good’ or ‘very good’ by regulators. Established over 75 years ago, we exist to support disabled people to live, learn, and work as independently as possible.
Ready to apply?
If you’re ready to start a role where your work really matters, click Apply Now. Or pop in and chat with us – we’re happy to answer questions and tell you more.
Leonard Cheshire welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applications from people with a disability, supporting where possible, your requirements for reasonable adjustments.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. A satisfactory disclosure check (PVG membership in Scotland) is required for this post. References will be obtained for all roles.
Salary
Leonard Cheshire is a leading UK charity dedicated to supporting disabled people to live, learn, and work independently, with dignity and choice. For over 70 years, the organisation has been breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion through care services, employment programmes, advocacy, and global partnerships. Working at Leonard Cheshire means joining a purpose-driven, inclusive team that values diversity, empowers staff, and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. With flexible working, strong learning and development support, and a culture rooted in compassion and respect, it’s a place where your work genuinely changes lives and contributes to a fairer, more accessible world.