We are Hestia. We make a difference.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Chef to play a pivotal role in our Coxley House Care Home in Tower Hamlets.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

Conduct monthly consultations with residents to gather feedback and plan diverse, rotating menus that ensure balanced nutrition and reflect individual dietary needs and preferences. Oversee meal preparation and service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, adapting meals for specific requirements such as soft diets, diabetic-friendly, or allergen-free options. Manage kitchen stock, place food supply orders, and liaise with suppliers to ensure timely, high-quality deliveries while minimizing waste. Ensure compliance with food hygiene and health & safety regulations, including regular equipment checks and adherence to COSHH and HACCP guidelines. Maintain accurate records for audits and inspections, coordinate meal times with care staff, support kitchen assistants when needed, and report any operational or dietary concerns to the Home Manager.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for:

The ideal candidate will have experience cooking for large groups, preferably in a care home, school, or healthcare setting, with a solid understanding of the nutritional needs of elderly or vulnerable individuals. Strong knowledge of food hygiene and health & safety regulations is essential, along with a valid Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or 3). A catering qualification, such as NVQ Level 2/3 in Professional Cookery, is desirable. Experience in menu planning and stock ordering is required. The role requires flexibility, including availability for weekend shifts on a rotational basis, and may require an enhanced DBS check.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

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• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
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• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.
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Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.