Cook | Wernham House

Position

Job Title: Cook

Responsible to: Team Leader

Location: Wernham House

Hours of Work: 39 hours per week (Monday-Friday)

Spinal point: 28

Salary: £27,297.00

Required qualifications: Recognised professional cookery qualification (eg. SVQ or City & Guilds 2 in Professional Cookery) or demonstrable experience in a similar setting

Main Responsibilities: Responsible for delivering high‑quality, nutritious meals that meet the dietary, cultural, health and personal preferences of residents living within a busy residential facility. The role involves planning menus, preparing meals, managing food orders and stock, and maintaining a safe, well‑organised kitchen environment that complies with food safety legislation, hygiene standards, and organisational policies. The post operates with a high degree of autonomy and plays a key role in enhancing residents’ wellbeing and mealtime experience.

JOB ACTIVITIES

• Prepare and cook nutritious, balanced, appetising meals for residents in accordance with planned menus and residents’ dietary needs and preferences.
• Ensure meals are cooked to a consistently high standard, meeting quality, portion size and presentation expectations.
• Develop weekly menus, incorporating resident feedback and taking into account variety, nutritional needs and availability of ingredients.
• Order food and supplies, check deliveries for accuracy and quality, and store items safely in the larder, fridge or freezer in line with food‑safety requirements.
• Monitor inventory, rotate stock appropriately and maintain records of supplies, ensuring freshness and minimising waste.
• Prepare and cook appropriate quantities of food in advance for weekend service, ensuring meals are safely stored and labelled for later use.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, food safety and health & safety regulations at all times in line with HACCP principles.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment, ensuring compliance with environmental health requirements.
• Maintain accurate records relating to food preparation, stock levels, temperature checks, and cleaning schedules.
• Ensure safe operation of kitchen equipment and report any equipment faults or safety concerns to the Team Leader promptly.
• Engage positively with residents to support a respectful, person-centred mealtime experience.
• Participate in mandatory training and maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of food safety, allergens, hygiene and health and safety requirements.

Essential Role Requirements

• Food Hygiene qualification at level 2 or equivalent and strong understanding of safe food handling practices
• Recognised professional cookery qualification (eg. SVQ or City & Guilds 2 in Professional Cookery) or demonstrable experience in a similar setting
• Good organisational, communication and time management skills

Systems

• Cezanne Self-service
• Office 365

Aims, values and behaviours

• To be respectful of and work in accordance with the core values and behaviours of the organisation.
• To respect and work in accordance with our Equality and Diversity Policy and ensure its promotion in the course of your daily work
• Have a duty to take care of your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your actions at work.
• Co-operate with employers and co-workers to help everyone meet their legal requirements.
• Raise any specific queries or concerns you have regarding your workplace with your line manager or health and safety representative.