Second Chef/Cook (Care homes)

Overview

Friends of the Elderly (FotE) is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to providing excellent care with a family feel. We have been supporting older people for over 120 years and provide care home and day care services for older people, as well as grants for older people in financial difficulty.Location:

Calcot, ReadingSalary:

£26,754.00 per annumContract:

Permanent - Full TimeWork Pattern:

Rolling rota of 3 consecutive days on and 3 consecutive days off.Hours:

35 per week (10 hour shifts, 8am to 6pm) – Days and WeekendsFriends Place, Calcot, is part of Friends of the Elderly and is a vibrant, welcoming community designed to provide exceptional residential, dementia, and respite care. The home is run by Friends of the Elderly, delivering personalised, compassionate care in a state-of-the-art facility. Located in the heart of Calcot, Reading.About Friends Place, Calcot

Friends Place, Calcot is more than just a care home – it’s a community designed to provide exceptional residential, dementia, and respite care. Run by Friends of the Elderly, we pride ourselves on delivering personalised, compassionate care in a state-of-the-art facility. Our modern facilities create a warm and homely environment where residents feel safe, valued, and supported.Role

We are recruiting for a

Second Chef/Cook

to join the team. You will work as part of a dedicated team, supporting the Kitchen/Chef Manager to lead the kitchen team, supervise and motivate colleagues, and help create an atmosphere where a passion for great food and service is embedded within the team.You will help to train and develop team members to the required standards, demonstrate a positive, respectful and professional approach, and plan and cost menus within agreed budgets. You will ensure hygienic and safe working practices in compliance with legislation and company Food Hygiene and Health and Safety Policies.We are looking for a catering professional with a relevant food handling qualification and good experience in a similar role, who is committed to continuous improvement and learning. You will need to be able to use various forms of digital technology to assist with ordering supplies and be able to organise and be methodical with tasks. An excellent team player, you’ll be able to recognise and report safeguarding needs. This role is about making a difference to older people’s lives every day.Responsibilities

Assist the Kitchen/Chef Manager to lead the kitchen team and ensure effective team performance.Supervise and motivate colleagues; maintain an atmosphere of high standards for food and service.Train and develop team members to required standards; demonstrate a positive, respectful and professional approach.Plan and cost menus within budgets; manage supplies and ordering using digital technology.Maintain hygienic and safe working practices in line with legislation and company policies.Assist with safeguarding and reporting as needed.Contribute to creating a warm, welcoming dining experience for residents.Qualifications

Relevant food handling qualification.Experience in a similar role.Ability to use digital technology for ordering and administration.Strong team player with a can-do attitude and commitment to continuous improvement.Benefits

Group Pension Plan, with a 6% contribution from us.Generous annual leave.Wellbeing support through various initiatives, including an employee assistance programme.Learning, development, and progression opportunities.Monthly prize draw, with 3 prizes to be won.Retail discount schemes.Access to loans at affordable rates.Health cash plans for you and your family.Cycle to work scheme.Long service awards that increase with length of service.Refer a friend to work for us and receive a £200 bonus.Uniforms provided.Free DBS checks.Safeguarding

Keeping everyone safe is a core value. All staff follow our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures and must report any suspected abuse.Criminal Records

As this role involves regulated activity, successful applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS check with barred list checks, and any offer of employment is dependent on a satisfactory outcome. Having a criminal record does not necessarily bar a person from working with us, depending on circumstances.Equality, Diversity, And Inclusion

We strive to treat all staff equally and be a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves and celebrate differences. We currently do not provide sponsorship but welcome applications from those with the right to work in the UK.Don’t delay in sending your application as we may close the vacancy early if we appoint before the advertised closing date. We interview applicants as they apply.Note: Some content in the original description was external or not directly relevant to the role and has been removed for clarity and ..... full job details .....