Cook

Reports to: Care Home Manager

To provide nutritious, well-balanced, and appetising meals that meet the dietary, cultural, and medical needs of residents, while maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen organisation.

• Plan, prepare, and cook meals in accordance with residents' dietary requirements, preferences, and portion control guidelines.
• Ensure menus are varied, seasonal, and comply with nutritional standards for older adults.
• Prepare specialist diets (e.g. soft, diabetic, vegetarian, allergy-specific) as required.
• Maintain high standards of kitchen hygiene, food handling, and infection control in line with Food Hygiene and Health & Safety regulations.
• Monitor and record food storage, stock rotation, and temperature checks.
• Work within budget guidelines for food ordering and stock management.
• Ensure meals are served on time and presented to a high standard.
• Liaise with care staff to understand residents' individual dietary needs and feedback on meal preferences.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment at all times.
• Support with kitchen audits and inspections from external regulators (e.g. Environmental Health, CQC).
• Supervise and guide kitchen assistants (if applicable).

Essential:

• Previous experience as a Cook, preferably in a care home, hospital, or catering environment.
• Knowledge of dietary needs for older adults and ability to adapt menus accordingly.
• Food Hygiene Level 2 (minimum).
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting residents' health and wellbeing.

Desirable:

• NVQ or equivalent in Catering or Food Preparation.
• Experience preparing meals for those with swallowing difficulties (IDDSI framework).
• Knowledge of nutritional guidelines for older people.