Community chef jobs

Kitchen Chef

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Chef to join our Homelessness Social Care Service in Westminster.

£12,603.50 per annum, working 17.5 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
• Fully paid induction programme and further training
• ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
• Cycle to work scheme

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

What you'll do:

• To be responsible for the day-to-day supervision for all staff working in the kitchen/dining room
• To prepare and cook meals for residents according to agreed menus
• To ensure that meals are provided on time in accordance advertised meal times
• To ensure food kitchen hygiene meets a high standard at all times
• To ensure that all meals are appropriately presented and served
• To monitor all kitchen staff in safe methods of working with equipment and machinery

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:

• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
• Approachable and open behaviour
• Prefers working as part of a group or team
• Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
• Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
• Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• Holds a level 3 food safety certificate

Desirable:

• Previously worked in a kitchen environment

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

• We focus on Excellence and innovation.
• We are Caring and Compassionate.
• We are Inclusive and Trusted.
• We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

We are looking for a qualified Chef to join our dedicated care home team where your culinary skills will help enhance the wellbeing of our residents. You’ll be responsible for preparing, producing and delivering delicious, nutritious and beautifully presented dishes.

This is a casual position, offering flexible hours to suit both your availability and the needs of the care home.  

Pay: £13.14 to £13.76 per hour.

Please note that we are currently only able to consider applications from candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor visas.

Key responsibilities of the role:

- Work with the Head Chef to deliver the catering services within the care home
- Prepare food for residents according to nutrition, hydration, and dietary guidelines
- Maintain a high standard of food provision and service to the residents, staff and visitors
- Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as needed
- Ensure all health and safety records and monitoring adhere to statutory requirements

As a Chef, you will have a City & Guilds 706 (1&2) Food Preparation or equivalent and an intermediary food hygiene certificate.

In addition, you will have excellent communication skills. Previous experience of maintaining standards within a catering department according to Health & Safety and Food Safety Act and good IT skills are essential, as well as experience working in a care home or similar setting.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Employee benefits include:

- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%, subject to eligibility
- Additional rates for nights, bank holidays and overtime
- Flexible hours to suit your needs
- Affordable and quality meals at reduced cost
- Free on-site parking
- Free enhanced DBS check
- Uniform provided at no cost
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice

Lister House is one of six care homes, set in the historic city of Ripon, North Yorkshire. A place where ex-servicemen and women and their spouses can feel completely at home, providing care for those who have served in the Armed Forces and their dependants. We offer Nursing Care, Residential Care, Dementia Care, and Day Care. The home also features a chapel and is supported by a dedicated team. As part of our award-winning team, you will receive full support with training and personal development.

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

We are seeking an Assistant Manager to play a key operational role at our Sunderland Hub. Supporting the day-to-day running of services that help people facing social exclusion rebuild confidence, skills, and stability.

This is a mission-driven, hands-on role combining coordination, leadership and frontline delivery. You will work closely with the Hub Manager and wider team to ensure the hub operates smoothly, safely and with purpose, while supporting individuals to engage in meaningful activity and community life.

About Handcrafted

Handcrafted works with people who have experienced exclusion, homelessness and disadvantage, offering practical opportunities to rebuild confidence and independence through creative projects, training, and community.

Our work is rooted in values of:

• Creativity everyone can make something to be proud of

• Empathy walking alongside people through challenge

• Empowerment supporting people to take back control

• Community building belonging and shared purpose

These values shape how we work with residents, trainees and one another.

The Role – Assistant Manager (Sunderland Hub)

As Assistant Manager, you will be central to the smooth running of the Sunderland Hub. You’ll support the Hub Manager in coordinating staff, activities and services, while maintaining a welcoming, organised and supportive environment.

This is a varied role combining operational oversight, hands-on delivery, administration and people support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Hub Manager in the day-to-day operation of the Sunderland Hub

• Help coordinate staff, volunteers, activities and community sessions

• Provide hands-on support to residents and trainees as needed

• Assist with planning and delivery of workshops, shared meals and group activities

• Act as a welcoming and reliable point of contact for people accessing the hub

• Support record keeping, reporting and compliance requirements

• Assist with ordering supplies, processing expenses and basic financial administration

• Help oversee housing-related processes and liaise with relevant teams

• Promote a safe, inclusive and well-organised environment at all times

(Full responsibilities are detailed in the recruitment pack.)

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is organised, proactive and people-focused, with the confidence to take responsibility while working collaboratively.

You will ideally bring:

• Experience working in a support, community or care-based setting

• Strong organisational and communication skills

• The ability to manage competing priorities calmly

• Confidence supporting people with complex needs

• An understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries

• A values-led approach aligned with Handcrafted’s ethos

Experience in housing, support services or community delivery is desirable but not essential.

Why Join Handcrafted?

• Be part of a well-established, values-driven organisation

• Play a key operational role in a growing hub

• Work alongside a committed, supportive team

• Help create real change for people facing exclusion

• Access training and development opportunities

Safeguarding

Handcrafted is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

We are currently seeking an Outreach Worker to join our dedicated team.  We recognise that the transition from the Approved Premises to community living can be a difficult time for our residents.  As Outreach Worker, you will support residents remaining in the Reading area, both prior to their move on and for up to six months post move on.  The aim is to support them living independently, with practical matters and signposting to additional support services within the community. 

This is a part time post, working 20 hours a week.  The proposed working pattern is Monday – Friday, 1pm – 5pm, but we are open to considering alternative working arrangements. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify residents that will be remaining in Reading at the earliest opportunity and work with them to prepare for move on, completing needs assessments and support plans.
• Continue to work with residents remaining in Reading for approximately six months post move on to support their successful resettlement into the community.
• Work closely with partner agencies (to include Alana House, Reading Borough Council, Thames Valley Police).
• Engage with residents in a fair and consistent manner, using motivational methods that promote the desired outcomes of compliance and rehabilitation.
• Work in line with all Elizabeth Fry Charity policies and procedures.

About You:

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Confidence using IT systems, particularly Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Effective time management and organisational skills.
• A commitment to the values and mission of Elizabeth Fry Charity.

Desirable:

• Experience working with individuals facing a range of social or personal difficulties.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system, particularly the Probation Service.
• Awareness of the challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system.

Personal Attributes:

• High levels of enthusiasm, motivation, and a proactive approach to work.
• Ability to work within professional boundaries, balancing care, and control.
• Flexible and adaptable, willing to take on a variety of tasks.
• Commitment to safeguarding and equal opportunities.

Why Join Us?

At Elizabeth Fry Charity, you’ll be part of a passionate and supportive team, making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable women. We value professional development and offer a collaborative working environment where your contribution truly matters.

In addition, we offer.

· Access to Perkbox, an employee benefits platform. 

· Confirmation in post bonus following successful completion of Probationary Period, as well as long term service awards at both three and ten years. 

· Access to Employee Assistance Programme. 

· 25 days of annual leave plus Bank Holidays per annum (pro rata), which increases with length of service up to 30 days.

· Meals provided at the Approved Premises by an in-house Chef, who will cater for all dietary requirements. 

Job Description

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Delivery of Services and Standards

· Identify residents that will be remaining in Reading at the earliest opportunity and work with them to prepare for move on, completing needs assessments and support plans.

· Continue to work with residents remaining in Reading for approximately six months post move on to support their successful resettlement into the community.

· Refer women to Alana House and support them to engage with this service.

· Work closely with partner agencies (to include Alana House, Reading Borough Council, Thames Valley Police).

• Engage with residents in a fair and consistent manner, using motivational methods that promote the desired outcomes of compliance and rehabilitation.
• Contribute to the enforcement of non-compliance with the Elizabeth Fry Charity programme, Elizabeth Fry Charity rules, licence and/or bail conditions.
• Contribute to the management of risk of re-offending and serious harm, through the monitoring of residents and liaison with other agencies, e.g. Probation Service, Police and Social Services.

· Liaise with other agencies to ensure that proposed ‘move on’ plans are appropriate, based on the residents’ licence and/or bail conditions and risk profile.

• Work as an effective member of the Elizabeth Fry Charity team, in accordance with agreed requirements and objectives.
• Undertake any other duties requested of you by a Manager, to ensure the Elizabeth Fry Charity is able to function as required.
• Complete all monitoring and evaluation requirements in the necessary timeframe.

Management of Physical Resources

• Ensure that any health and safety and/or building maintenance issues are reported to the appropriate Manager.
• Follow all health and safety, fire and Elizabeth Fry Charity security procedures.

Management of Systems and Information

• Maintain accurate and timely records, using the appropriate case management, assessments and local systems. 
• Maintain residents’ individual files to the required standards.
• Make records available for inspection and/or monitoring, as required.

General

• Undertake training, as required by the Elizabeth Fry Charity.
• Comply with all of Elizabeth Fry Charity policies and expectations.
• Actively engage in team meetings, practice development meetings, appraisal and supervision meeting with the Approved Premises Operations Manager and contribute to the business plan.
• Undertake any other duties requested of you by a Manager to ensure the Elizabeth Fry Charity is able to function as required.

Person Specification

Experience and skills

Essential

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with great attention to detail.

Confidence in using IT systems, including excel and word.

Excellent time management skills.

Desirable

Experience of working with a wide variety of people who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties.

Knowledge and understanding of the work of the Probation Service and the assessment and management of risk.

An understanding of the challenges facing women who are involved in the criminal justice system.

Personal Qualities and Attributes

Essential

Commitment to the work and values of Elizabeth Fry Charity

High levels of enthusiasm, self-motivation and a “can do” attitude.

Ability to work appropriately within boundaries and to balance issues surrounding care and control.

Flexible approach to work and a willingness to undertake a variety of tasks.

Commitment to equal opportunities and safeguarding.

ABOUT THE CLINK CHARITY

The Clink Charity, founded in 2009, aims to prevent and reduce reoffending through training, rehabilitation, and support. We deliver hospitality and horticulture training behind the prison walls and in the community by creating an environment where our students are supported to gain the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to rebuild their lives.

Since that time, we have trained approximately 5,000 people in prison and delivered 2,600 City & Guilds qualifications in a variety of hospitality and food courses.
What makes The Clink so unique is our post-release support and mentoring programme that rehabilitates an offender back into society through assistance with health and mental health issues, housing, employment, family connections and friendships.

The charity operates an award-winning fine-dining restaurant open to the public inside HMP Brixton, training kitchens in the prison estate, horticulture projects at HMP Send and HMP Erlestoke, a commercial bakery in Brixton, and a bespoke delivery service, Catered by Clink.

Additionally, Clink Events is our social enterprise catering business with food produced by the women in HMP Downview and also in an additional kitchen at Herne Hill and then served by alumni on front of house at some of the best venues in London including: the Guildhall, the Science Museum, Cutty Sark, Kew Gardens and the Camden Roundhouse. In 2024, across 218 events, The Clink fed 36,000 people.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Support and Employment Worker will provide a high quality and responsive mentoring and advocacy service which creatively addresses the needs and risks of our students and graduates to enable them to avoid further offending and to obtain and maintain employment upon release.

Our students and graduates will come from multiple prison sites across the London and the South East region, so careful diary management, logistical planning and travel are key components of the role.

This is a flexible role, mostly based at HMP Brixton, but will also include travelling between

HMP Downview and HMP Send multiple prisons and our Clink Training Café site in Herne Hill, with some working from home and managing a community caseload of graduates who have been released.

The Support and Employment Worker will develop action plans with each student in prison to support them in obtaining employment upon release and also in developing independent living skills to work towards their long-term goals and aspirations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Support and Employment Worker at The Clink, you are responsible for:

•Mentoring, supporting and being the point of contact for students and graduates as they transition from our hospitality and horticulture training programmes in prison and in the community for up to 12 months.

•Working with and supporting people in prison and students prior to and after release from prison, or from graduation in our community café, to empower them in finding and maintaining accommodation, employment and a drug-free, offence-free lifestyle.

•Building relationships with Clink Chef Trainers, HMPPS Resettlement and Employment Teams, HMPPS Officers and Governing Teams in the prison and all parties invested in the training, support and employment of our learners.

•Working with students and graduates to identify their needs and risks, and to identify short and long-term goals.

•Motivating and engaging students and graduates and to provide practical and emotional support.

•Liaising with employers to secure opportunities for our students and for continuity of employment for graduates upon release.

•Supporting people dealing with drug and alcohol problems and to make referrals to other services as required.

•Undertaking risk assessments for each student, to recognise changes in risk level and take appropriate action.

•Maintaining case records and report on students' progress to external agencies and for our own Clink records on Clink Connect, our CRM system.

•Working in partnership with the team to enhance overall delivery of the service.

•Maintaining a professional approach that enhances the reputation of the charity.

DESIRABLE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience of prisons and/or the criminal justice system. This can be lived experience.
• Experience of working with a variety of client groups both in custody and in the community, including men, women and 16-25-year-olds.
• Experience of working with young people in gangs and/or at risk of exploitation and county lines.
• Experience of working with neurodivergent people and those with disabilities and additional needs.
• Experience and skill in using a trauma informed approach with vulnerable people who present a risk of harm, including knowledge of mental health issues, drug and alcohol use and offending behaviour.
• Experience in setting up a strong employer network and using this to support our graduates into employment post-release.
• Experience referring to other services and using a multi-agency approach.
• A level of numeracy sufficient to carry out tasks such as budgeting with clients, calculating benefit entitlements and understanding rent arrears.
• An understanding of safeguarding issues and PREVENT Duty and the ability to assess risk in consultation with line manager.
• Some knowledge of the benefits system and ability to deal with housing agencies and landlords
• Driver with clean licence.
• IT literate - will need to maintain records about our students on our in-house CRM system and complete assessments for HMPPS.
• Able to adopt a supportive, confident and motivating approach to the client group.
• Willing to engage in training and development of your own knowledge and skills.
• Able to pass a prison security clearance.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Confident and resilient personality, with the strength of character to work in complex prison settings and with highly vulnerable people.
• Perseverence and tenacity — a desire to see our students be successful and to advocate strongly on their behalf which often requires a relentless optimism.
• Highly organised and efficient person - able to juggle multiple responsibilities, manage your own time and schedule, and be a consistent source of support for our beneficiaries.
• A strong networker - your key responsibility will be to manage stakeholders in the prison, in probation, in other third sector support groups, and with employers to advocate for our students to have the chance of quality employment outcomes.
• An assertive communicator - you will need to be patient, kind and compassionate and to communicate with our students with sensitivity and clear expectations.

REPORTING LINES MANAGEMENT EXPECTATIONS

You will report directly to the Support Lead for London and the SE, the Executive Leadership Team, but also work closely with the Operations team in the prisons and related Clink project leads in the community.

GENERAL CLINK CHARITY INFORMATION

All staff are expected to:

• Comply with all current legislation
• Comply with all prison operational policies
• Comply with The Clink Staff Handbook
•  Undertake such other duties within the scope of the post as may be requested by your Manager

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to pass prison security vetting process to be able to draw keys.
• Must have a valid driving licence .

Benefits:

• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Free meals on duty when based in a restaurant or visiting for business

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply for this post, please send your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 2 sides of A4) to Lizann Barnwell.

In your supporting statement you should ensure that you try to address the desirable criteria set out in the person specification for the role. Make sure you give evidence which shows how you meet the criteria, not just telling us that you did it.

Interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis for this role, so early applications are encouraged. The deadline for applications is Friday 6 Feb at 0900.

We do not send individual acknowledgment of applications due to the high volume we receive, and we will only contact candidates who are shortlisted for an interview. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.

If you would like an informal chat about this role, we can offer a call with a member of The Clink Team. Even if you feel you do not meet some of the criteria listed above, we would still welcome applications from passionate candidates who are keen to make a difference.

Appointment process

Applicants who have demonstrated that they meet the desirable criteria set out in the person specification will be contacted and interviews arranged on a rolling basis.

Interview

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be invited to a selection process. A panel of two or more, including the recruiting manager conducts all interviews. If there are any special arrangements associated with the selection process e.g. tests or presentations, you will be informed accordingly.

Interview outcome

If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be informed either verbally or in writing of the outcome. The successful candidate will have the decision confirmed in writing as an offer of employment. Unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity for feedback.

References

If you are successful in your application, you are asked to provide us with the details of two referees. We only contact referees with your permission after an offer of employment has been made.

All offers of employment are conditional upon the receipt of references that are satisfactory to The Clink Charity, verification of right to work in the UK and where applicable, verification of qualifications and Disclosure and Barring Service (where required).

Personal information

The personal information that you have supplied will only be used for recruitment and selection purposes. You should refer to the Privacy Notice on our website, which sets out how The Clink Charity will deal with the personal and sensitive data you have provided in your application form and supporting information.

EDI

We welcome all applicants and are keen to enhance our team to reflect the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disabled people, those from LGBTQIA+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and those experiencing other forms of marginalisation, as they are underrepresented at this level. In addition, as this role works directly with people in prison and those at risk of offending, those with lived experience are encouraged to apply.

Accessible recruitment

The Clink Charity is committed to making our recruitment process and workplace accessible to all. If you are an applicant with a disability and/or have any specific needs or adjustments that you would like us to consider, at application, interview, or appointment stage, please make us aware in your application.