Chef

Come and make a difference with the team at Westgate Healthcare! #CareWithUsAtWestgate

We are looking for a compassionate and caring Chef to join our family at Hampden Hall Care Centre and Byron House Care Home. We are looking for individuals who share our values, have an interest in helping others, a can-do attitude and who will treat the people we support with care, compassion and respect.

If you want to make a difference to the lives of our elderly residents, apply today.

About The Role

About the role:

• 40 hours / 5 days per week (must be able to work weekends)
• Shifts: 7.00am to 3.30pm
• Prepare hot and cold meals for residents according to their needs and preferences
• Assist with planning seasonal menus
• Ensure compliance with the Health & Safety Policy and regulations
• Carry out checks in the kitchen as required to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, for example recording fridge temperatures
• Maintain a clean and hygienic environment, including washing and clearing up equipment
• Report all accidents and incidents to the Person-in-Charge of the home

Why work at Westgate?

• Competitive pay rates with enhanced pay on bank holidays
• Improve your financial wellness and flexibility with Wagestream; access your wages before pay day and enjoy exclusive discounts at a variety of the UK’s favourite shops
• Access to the Blue Light Card (employee discount scheme)
• Access to other discount schemes; Byond Prepayment Card (employee cashback card), Extras Discounts (employee discount scheme) and Cycle to Work Scheme
• Refer a Friend Scheme - earn up to £500 for a successful referral!
• Internal and external employee recognition schemes (e.g. Employee of the Month and Long Service) and team building social events
• Support in achieving additional qualifications, including nationally recognised qualifications
• Access to financial and wellbeing support through The Care Workers Charity
• Comprehensive staff induction with free training and professional development

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we receive suitable applications, therefore, an early submission is encouraged. Due to a high volume of applications, if you do not hear from us within 5 working days, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

Westgate Healthcare is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

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Required Criteria

• The right to live and work in the UK
• Previous experience in a similar role and setting (i.e. a care home or a school)
• Certificate Level II in Food Safety and Hygiene
• Knowledge of nutritional needs of older people
• Health and Safety and regulatory requirements
• A positive and flexible attitude towards work and the ability to work well in a team

Skills Needed

About The Company

At Westgate Healthcare, we have been providing high-quality care since the early 1990s, growing from a single home into a well-respected group across Hertfordshire, Essex, Buckinghamshire and London.

We offer a wide range of services including residential care, nursing care, dementia care, respite care and palliative support, tailored to meet the needs of each individual.

Our homes are designed to provide comfort, safety and a strong sense of community, while our teams work closely with families and healthcare partners to deliver person-centred care plans.

As a family-owned organisation, we take pride in maintaining a personal, values-driven approach where residents and staff are treated with respect and understanding

Company Culture

Our culture is built on care, respect and teamwork.

We believe that the quality of our care starts with the people who deliver it, which is why we focus on creating a supportive and inclusive workplace.

At Westgate Healthcare, every colleague plays a vital role — from care staff to chefs, maintenance teams and management — working together to enhance residents’ quality of life.

We encourage continuous learning, open communication and shared responsibility, ensuring that our teams feel confident, valued and empowered.

Being a family-run organisation, we maintain a close-knit feel where people are recognised for their contribution and supported to succeed.

Company Benefits

We are committed to supporting our team with a strong and rewarding benefits package.

At Westgate Healthcare, you’ll receive competitive pay, flexible working options and access to ongoing training and professional development.

We provide opportunities to progress your career across our homes, supported by experienced leadership and structured training programmes.

Our teams benefit from working in modern, well-equipped care environments, with a strong emphasis on safety, wellbeing and collaboration.

Most importantly, we offer the chance to do meaningful work, where you can make a real difference in people’s lives every day — supported by a team that values and respects you.

Salary

£15.00 per hour