Community chef jobs

Chef & Nutrition Coach

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Job Title: Chef & Nutrition Coach

Location: Bedford, This service does not have full step free access. 

Salary: £26,000 (full time equivalent) 

Shift Pattern: 22.5 hours per week, Monday to Sunday Shifts flexible around meal preparation 5 days per week including weekends. Hours may vary dependent on service and resident requirements.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Chef & Nutrition Coach to join our brand new service opening in April 2026! As a Chef & Nutrition Coach in the service, you will improve their dietary habits, optimise health, personalised as well as creating meals for our diverse and marginalised residents as they seek recovery.  You will need to understand ordering and budgeting as well as a strong understanding of food safety.  A solid understanding of meal planning, dietary needs, and allergy control is essential, but your most important quality will be that you are a people person who is willing to engage with our residents as you tailor healthy and delicious meals to satisfy their needs and wants.

This service is an 11 bed, community based mental health crisis and step down service offering short stay, trauma informed support. The team will support our residents who are at risk of admission but can be supported outside of mental health hospital settings, by providing tailored support to them to help them overcome their personal barriers, and achieve their goals, to live more fulfilled lives and independent living. 

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Planning, preparing and cooking food then serving this to residents.
• Plan and deliver purposeful workshops and activities for residents to participate in to develop life skills.
• Plan and prepare food for cooking on days when off duty.
• Ensure the kitchen is kept equipped with food supplies, equipment and tools.
• Maintain the kitchen and communal areas to ensure they are always kept clean and tidy.
• Ensure food and beverages are readily available for residents.
• Take ownership of self-development to stay aligned with industry and role specific requirements within the role.
• Budget Management: Work within the provided budget to ensure cost effectiveness.

About You

We are looking for someone who has a passion for cooking, food and nutrition, partnered with a desire to make a real difference to people's lives. We're looking for someone with a hands on approach to their work, able to take ownership and use your own initiative to solve challenges and support residents with understanding the importance of nutrition and diet in their daily lives. You will understand the marginalisation that people with multiple, complex needs face within society, and be driven to help our residents to overcome personal barriers.

What we are looking for:

• Someone who can plan and cook healthy, tasty and tailored food
• A good understanding of food costs and basic budgeting
• Ability and willingness to show flexibility of working patterns, responding to the needs of the service and residents
• A good understanding of Food Safety and Health and Safety Regulations
• Someone who can share and teach basic cooking skills to interested residents
• Experience of working with people of complex backgrounds, ideally those who have faced challenges with their mental health

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time Equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. 

Please note that this will take you through to our Central Administration team, who will then communicate your enquiry with us and we will arrange to call you back. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

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 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.

The Commercial & Events Manager will line manage front of house and hospitality staff, foster a positive and values-led team culture, and lead relationships with café and bar partners to ensure a joined-up, high-quality experience for everyone who comes through Joy’s doors.

As a key presence within the building, you will oversee the end-to-end planning and delivery of events, taking responsibility for visitor experience and acting as the lead point of contact on event days. You will play a central role in shaping and delivering Joy’s commercial events programme, helping to build a vibrant, inclusive and financially sustainable offer across the building. Working at the intersection of culture, community and commerce, you will develop a compelling programme of events and hospitality activity that supports Joy’s ethos while contributing to its long-term sustainability.

You will lead on commercial events strategy, sales and income generation, managing the full events pipeline from initial enquiry through to delivery. Working closely with Directors and cross-site colleagues, you will identify new audiences, formats and opportunities, and support the growth and evolution of Joy’s commercial offer over time.

Check out the candidate pack for full details.

We are seeking a values-driven professional for a 12-month role (open to employees or freelancers) to lead income generation that grows our social businesses and deepens our impact on women’s health and wellbeing.

By driving growth across our women’s-only gym and studio, café, and meeting spaces, you’ll help create more opportunities for women to thrive and support our goal of achieving long-term financial sustainability by 2029.

Job title Head of Income Generation

Salary £60,000

Reports to  CEO

Time commitment: 3 days a week (21 hours)

Start date: As soon as possible

Contract type - 12 months 

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. 

We would consider a freelance contract 

Location  - London Bridge

About the organisation:

Our vision is a society where equity is the norm, where all women’s voices are heard, and where their health and wellbeing rights are respected and met.

Our mission is to create kind spaces where, as women, we focus on our health and wellbeing, support each other and challenge injustice

Strategic objective goals:

Together as women:

We create kind, nurturing spaces where we connect and improve our health and wellbeing

We create bespoke opportunities where we improve our understanding of ourselves and support each other through life’s big changes

We support each other to build confidence in our voice, use it to transform our lives and challenge the injustices we experience

The Bridge is a women’s health and wellbeing charity based in Southwark, one of London’s most diverse yet disadvantaged boroughs. Founded over 90 years ago, our purpose is to create spaces where women of all ages and backgrounds can connect, improve their health, and build resilience.

Our building brings everything under one roof: a women-only gym, a welcoming café, a range of wellbeing programmes covering all aspects of women’s lives, and specialist support groups for all sections of the community. Together these services offer accessible, affordable opportunities to look after both body and mind, while tackling social isolation and inequality.

We work together with communities who often feel left behind, offering a friendly, accessible place to turn to whatever their individual needs or circumstances. Over the decades, The Bridge has been a constant in people’s lives, even as the area around us has faced both growth and hardship.

About the role 

The Head of Income Generation will play a pivotal role in strengthening the financial sustainability and social impact of our organisation. This 12-month position—open to both employees and consultants—will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive income generation strategy across our three social businesses: our women’s-only gym and studio, our community café, and our meeting room hire service.

Working closely with the leadership team, the postholder will identify new income opportunities, enhance the visibility and market reach of our social enterprises, and ensure that all business activity aligns with our mission to improve women’s health and wellbeing.

This role is both strategic and hands-on—ideal for a results-driven professional who combines commercial acumen with a deep commitment to social purpose. By driving growth in our social businesses and expanding our audience reach, the Head of Income Generation will directly contribute to closing our organisational deficit by 2029 and amplifying our social impact

Our social businesses:

The Gym – Movement, Confidence, and Connection

Our women-only gym provides a safe and empowering environment for over 600 women to move, learn, and thrive. Led by trauma-informed trainers with expertise in women’s health, it offers 29 weekly classes that prioritise confidence, joy, and holistic wellbeing rather than weight loss. The gym embodies our commitment to preventative health and creates an inclusive community where women of all ages and backgrounds can focus on their strength, resilience, and self-care. As a cornerstone of our trading model, it sustains our mission while directly advancing it.

The gym has seen significant growth in both membership and the breadth of its offer, establishing itself as a trusted and empowering space for women’s health and wellbeing. With excellent member retention rates and a strong reputation for inclusivity, safety, and quality, the gym is now well positioned for its next stage of development. We see substantial potential to expand its reach, increase profitability, and deepen its social impact by engaging more women from our local and wider communities. A key focus will be on leveraging our existing member community to support peer recruitment and referral, strengthening the sense of belonging while driving sustainable growth. This next phase will build on the gym’s solid foundations to enhance both its commercial success and its contribution to The Bridge’s mission

The Café – Nourishing Food, Nurturing Community

Our café is the social heart of The Bridge — a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive space where everyone can connect, share, and feel at home. Serving seasonal, plant-based meals prepared in-house, the café champions women-led enterprises and affordable, healthy food. It hosts many of our wellbeing and creative programmes, and through initiatives like the Pay-What-You-Can Supper Club, supports emerging women chefs and builds everyday acts of care and solidarity. The café has the opportunity to not only advances our mission of improving women’s health and wellbeing but also generates vital trading income and partnership opportunities. 

While it currently operates at a deficit, it plays a vital role in advancing our wellbeing and community objectives. We are now focused on realising its full commercial potential. A feasibility study is underway to explore a range of operational and business models that will transition the café into a sustainable, profit-making enterprise. Plans include expanding income-generating opportunities through hosting more events, developing an external catering offer, and maximising use of the space for private hire and functions during weekends. This work will ensure the café continues to embody our values while contributing significantly to the financial sustainability of The Bridge

Room Hire – Spaces that Enable Collaboration and Impact

Our professional meeting and event spaces are used by charities, community groups, and corporate partners for workshops, training, and strategic planning. With over 500 bookings a year and a 89% return rate, these rooms are known for their quality, warmth, and service. The income they generate supports our wider mission, while also acting as a catalyst for new partnerships and collaborations. 

We now aim to build on this success by increasing utilisation on our most popular days (Tuesday to Thursday) and attracting new clients to fill capacity on Mondays, Fridays, evenings, and weekends. Plans include developing loyalty packages for regular clients and introducing new offers such as team wellbeing days that align with our health and wellbeing ethos. This approach will not only maximise income potential but also strengthen The Bridge’s role as a space where organisations connect, collaborate, and thrive.

Key responsibilities: 

1. Income Generation Strategy

· Develop and implement a comprehensive income generation strategy for our social businesses (women’s-only gym and studio, café, and meeting room hire).

· Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities while aligning with the organisation’s mission and values.

· Monitor financial performance and make recommendations to meet growth and sustainability targets. 

· Monitor return on investment of additional marketing spend

· Budget setting and management of cafe, gym and marketing budgets 

· Support the development of medium-term (3-5 year) income generation roadmap to support sustainability, recommending organisational changes and scalable models beyond the 12 months.

2. Business Development and Partnerships

· Together with the CEO, build and maintain relationships with local businesses, community organisations, and stakeholders to drive collaboration and income growth.

· Explore new partnership opportunities that enhance both revenue and social impact.

5. Line and Task Management

· Provide leadership, guidance, and performance management for 1 or 2 managers

· Task manage the Head of Operations, who oversees room hire services, ensuring alignment with income generation and marketing priorities.

6. Performance Monitoring and Reporting

· Set measurable targets for income generation and and track progress regularly.

· Implement a CRM and/or data-dashboard system to track customer/member acquisition, retention, income per stream, marketing campaign performance, and present monthly/quarterly reports to CEO and Board.

· Report to the leadership team on performance, insights, and opportunities for improvement.

7. Values-Driven Leadership

· Embed the organisation’s mission and values into all business and marketing activities.

· Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy, decision-making, and long-term planning.

Person Specification 

Qualifications

· Relevant degree or professional qualification in business, social enterprise, or a related field.

· Professional development in leadership or business management is desirable.

Experience

· Proven experience of running or scaling a trading/social enterprise business (profit and loss accountability, membership acquisition/retention, pricing strategy, customer marketing). Ideally, specifically in at least one of the key areas of the business. 

· Demonstrated track record of successfully managing multiple business streams or revenue-generating projects. 

· Demonstrable ability to build, develop and lead a multi-disciplinary team (across café, gym, marketing/social media) and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

· Experience in developing partnerships and networks with other businesses and organisation that generate revenue and social impact.

Skills and Competencies

· Strong strategic thinking and planning skills with the ability to translate strategy into actionable plans.

· Excellent leadership, team management, and people development skills.

· Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills – able to engage with senior stakeholders (local businesses, funders, community organisations), and act as an ambassador for the organisation.

· Commercial acumen with strong analytical skills to monitor performance and make data-driven decisions.

· Ability to balance financial objectives with social mission, embedding values in all activities.

· Proficiency in digital marketing, CRM systems, and business reporting tools.

Personal Attributes

· Values-driven, with a genuine commitment to women’s health, wellbeing, and social impact.

· Creative, proactive, and results-oriented, with the ability to identify and pursue new opportunities.

· Collaborative and adaptable, able to work across teams and contribute to senior leadership decision-making.

· Resilient and solutions-focused, able to navigate challenges and achieve targets in a fast-moving environment