Second Chef/Cook (Care homes)

OverviewFriends 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. The charity provides care home and day care services for older people, as well as grants for older people in financial difficulty.

Location:

Calcot, Reading

Salary:

£26,754.00 per annum

Contract Type:

Permanent - Full Time

Work Pattern:

Rolling rota of 3 consecutive days on and 3 consecutive days off. Hours: 35 per week (10 hours shifts, 8am to 6pm) – Days and Weekends

About Friends Place, CalcotFriends Place, Calcot is more than just a care home – It’s a vibrant, welcoming 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. Located in the heart of Calcot, Reading, our home features:

A cinema for residents to enjoy movie nights and entertainment.

A stylish salon offering professional pampering.

A peaceful library for reading and reflection.

A vibrant bar for socialising and relaxation.

The modern facilities are designed to create a warm and homely environment where residents feel safe, valued, and supported.

Role: Second Chef/CookWe are recruiting for

Second Chef/Cook

to join the team. You will work as part of a dedicated team who will deliver with a can-do attitude. On a day-to-day basis you will support the Kitchen/Chef Manager to lead the kitchen team by supervising and motivating colleagues to ensure effective team performance and help to 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 standard, demonstrate a positive, respectful and professional approach, and plan and cost menus within agreed budgets. You will also ensure that we maintain hygienic and safe working practices in compliance with legislation and company Food Hygiene and Health and Safety Policies.

Requirements: a catering professional with a relevant food handling qualification and with good experience in a similar role who will be committed to continuous improvement, consistently seeking opportunities for learning. You will need the ability to use various forms of digital technology to assist with ordering supplies and to organise tasks. An excellent team player, you’ll recognise and report safeguarding needs. This role is about making a difference to older people’s lives every day.

Why Join Friends of the Elderly?

Heritage of Care:

Work with a trusted organisation backed by over a century of expertise.

Non-Profit Mission:

Be part of a charity that prioritises people, not profit.

State-of-the-Art Facilities:

A cutting-edge care home designed for comfort and community.

Professional Development:

Access training and career development opportunities.

Make Your Mark:

Shape the culture and success of a brand-new care home.

Benefits:

In return for your hard work, you can look forward to a range of 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; health cash plans for you and your family.

Cycle to work scheme; loans and salary advances.

Long service awards and refer-a-friend bonuses (£200).

Uniforms provided; Free DBS checks.

Safeguarding:

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

Criminal record checks:

This role involves a regulated activity; successful applicants will undertake an enhanced DBS check, with barred lists check, and any offer of employment will be dependent on a satisfactory outcome. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar employment.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:

We strive to treat all staff equally and be a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from those who have the right to work in the UK. We currently do not provide sponsorship.

How to apply: Please apply promptly as we may close the vacancy early if we appoint before the advertised closing date. We interview applicants as they ..... full job details .....