Cook jobs in Islington, greater london

This role is a unique and exciting opportunity for a passionate, hands-on Chef and Trainer to join our rapidly growing charity and support our mission to transform kids’ health through food in schools in a new region. This role will be critical in delivering our flagship programme Transformations and work directly with school kitchen teams across the North West and North East of England.

Who we are
Chefs in Schools is a young, ambitious charity that’s rapidly growing. Our mission is to improve kids’ health, through improving school food & food education. We focus our efforts in areas of high socio-economic deprivation, where more than a third of children are entitled to free school meals, and diet-related disease is driving further inequality. We support and train school kitchen teams to serve the best, freshest and tastiest food possible, alongside meaningful food education. We share learning and resources, aiming  to inspire and enable others to follow our lead. We’re backed by some of the biggest names in food and have ambitious targets to ensure every child has access to incredible school food and food education, setting them up for life with the skills and knowledge to feed themselves well.

 About you and the role

This role is responsible for the delivery and continuous improvement of the Chefs in Schools Transformation Programme across the North West and North East of England. The Transformation Programme is our flagship year-long initiative, designed to support school kitchen teams and senior leadership teams in serving the best, freshest, and most nutritious food possible. Through this programme, we transform school lunches, upskill kitchen staff, and integrate food education into the heart of the school culture, ensuring that high-quality, scratch-cooked meals become the standard for every pupil.

As a Chef Trainer, you will act as a pivotal, hands-on ambassador for this mission, supporting kitchen teams, school leadership and the wider school community to embed a high quality, sustainable school food culture in schools. You will support development of the programme’s pipeline and join a brilliant, passionate and experienced team of Chef Trainers, with the opportunity to connect, share and learn from one another.

A key component of this role involves being based in schools for 2–3 weeks at a time, working directly on-site to implement the programme. You will travel to different locations across the North West and North East, supporting schools to build high-quality, sustainable food cultures. During your first year, the focus will be specifically on the North West region,  ranging from Manchester to the Wirral, where you will help establish Chefs in Schools’ reputation for positive change.

The responsibilities, skills and experience listed below are intended to give you an idea of what we need for this role. If you don’t meet every requirement but feel you would be able to work with us to deliver the majority of them, we urge you to apply anyway. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and for us the most important ‘experience’ is passion for our mission.

We want to get to know you at the interview and understand we can do this best if you’re at ease. We’re an inclusive employer and work hard to create a welcoming working environment for everyone, including appointing a neurodiversity champion to help us  identify how we can make our work environment work for everyone. If you need adjustments to the interview process please let us know.

As we work with children and young people, an offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance, in line with our safeguarding policy.

Key responsibilities:

Programme Delivery & Training:

● Inspire, train and cook with chefs, cooks and kitchen teams in the preparation of fresh, nutritious food to meet specified standards, imparting your passion for fresh, quality food and building capability across client schools in line with the Chefs in Schools model.

● Deliver and oversee Transformation Programme delivery in schools within the region, ensuring high quality outcomes aligned to programme objectives and proposals, including check-ins to support proposal and pipeline development.

● Work closely with Head Chefs, Headteachers and School Business Managers to provide fair assessment of culinary ability for existing and new Head Chefs including skills tests.

● Support with recommended kitchen structures at Transformation schools using the Kitchen Brigade system.

● Advise and guide Head Chefs, Kitchen Teams and School Business Managers to improve uptake, menu development and School Food Standards compliance.

● Advise on reputable, quality and cost-effective suppliers to support schools to reduce cost per meal per child without sacrificing food quality. Including light-touch auditing and development of procurement suppliers in the region.

● Encourage schools to monitor, control and reduce kitchen, service and food waste.

● Train kitchen staff to follow up-to-date Health and Safety and hygiene policies and procedures, alongside latest EHO, Food Standards Agency and Allergen guidance.

● Work with the Senior Programme Manager to develop training materials that support the charity’s wider work, ensuring training plans reflect the latest relevant guidance including EHO, Food Standards Agency and Allergen guidance.

● Support schools to develop a whole-school food culture through food education with pupils, aligned to School Food Standards, and the creation of scratch-cooked, delicious and nutritious school food.

Transformation Programme Development:

● Support growing regional brand awareness, in partnership and alignment with the Senior Programme Manager.

● Visit potential new school clients to assess kitchens and kitchen teams (check-ins) within the region, working with the Senior Programme Manager to support proposal and pipeline development as required.

● Support the onboarding of new schools based on the outcome of check-ins conducted and proposals.

● Support in maintaining, improving and running the programme, and Innovations, School Chef Educator and Membership programme needs as required.

Administration & Measurement:

● Support with monitoring and capturing of programme KPIs of Transformation schools, measuring success against Chefs in Schools benchmarking and keeping the Senior Programme Manager updated on any variances.

● Support with case study development working in partnership with the Comms and Fundraising team.

● Report any complaints or serious incidents to the Senior Programme Manager and follow relevant actions related to Chefs in Schools Escalation and Tracking processes.

Essential Skills & Experience:

● You have interest and belief in our mission to improve kids’ health through improving food and food education in schools.

● You have significant professional experience as a chef (minimum of 5 years), ideally with a background in schools, high-volume catering or institutional cooking.

● You have experience training or mentoring kitchen staff, including building culinary capability and culture change.

● You are confident in assessing culinary skills and advising on kitchen structure, menus and supplier choices.

● You are organised, methodical and able to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.

● You are a strong communicator able to build trusting relationships with different types of stakeholders.

● You have a sound understanding of Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, Allergen regulations and School Food Standards.

Desirable skills & experience:

● Experience working in a school or educational setting.

● Comfortable with data capture, reporting and keeping accurate records.

● Familiarity with the Kitchen Brigade system or equivalent kitchen management structures.

● Experience working with or for a charity or social enterprise.

● A full UK driving licence.

Benefits

You would be joining a friendly, supportive team who works hard but believe in a healthy work/life balance. We were voted one of CODE Hospitality’s happiest places to work in 2024. We seek a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge. Joining a small, collaborative team means you’ll be able to contribute to and draw on various projects and strategic insights.

We offer 33 days of holiday per year including bank holidays, 3 additional office closure days over the Christmas period as well as wellbeing days over the summer school holidays.  We also have a Cycle to Work scheme, hybrid working, enhanced parental leave, and free access to the CODE app for discounted restaurants & hospitality venues. We are committed to developing our team and will support you with relevant training opportunities including £250 towards elective training and development of your choice.

We also offer Bupa Dental Insurance, Income Protection Insurance, as well as access to the Aviva Smart Health Platform which offers health benefits including free rapid access online GP appointments, free counselling and wellbeing support.

Start date: September 2026 

Main Purpose: To provide full-time support to learners within the Building Independence (BI) pathway at The Autism Project (TAP).

The role focuses on enabling learners to develop independence, communication, life skills, and confidence, supporting them to access the curriculum and participate in community-based learning. You will work closely with teaching staff to ensure learners make meaningful progress towards their EHCP outcomes and personal goals.

Information:

Permanent part-time role. Working days are Tues to Fri 9-4pm (6.5hrs a day, allowing half hour unpaid for lunch). 26 hours a week.

Salary is £28,860 per annum (full time 37.5hrs) pro-rata. This is £14.80 per hour (London Living Wage).

Holiday allowance is 37 days per annum plus bank holidays pro-rata.

Holiday can only be taken outside of TAP term times.

Your place of work will be at our classrooms at Larcom House SE17 1RT. 

Flexibility: Term-time working only can be considered, on request.

 Learner Support

1. Support learners to access sessions across the BI pathway, including Functional Skills, PSD, social skills, and independence-based learning.

2. Provide 1:1 and small group support, promoting independence and reducing support where appropriate.

3. Use autism-informed approaches to support communication, sensory, and behavioural needs.

4. Support learners to develop:

o daily living skills

o emotional regulation

o social interaction and communication

5. Apply consistent support strategies to help learners develop coping mechanisms and resilience.

6. To provide personal care support with learners if needed.

Classroom & Curriculum Support

1. Work in partnership with tutors to support lesson delivery and learner engagement.

2. Adapt tasks and resources to meet individual learning needs.

3. Support the implementation of planned learning activities and structured routines.

4. Assist with the preparation of teaching materials and visual supports.

5. Promote a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Independence & Community-Based Learning

1. Support delivery of independence-focused sessions, such as:

o cooking and life skills

o travel training support

o accessing local community services

2. Accompany learners on trips, enrichment activities, and community visits.

3. Support learners to apply skills in real-life contexts and unfamiliar environments.

Behaviour & Wellbeing Support

1. Support learners to manage behaviour positively using agreed strategies.

2. Recognise and respond to anxiety and emotional needs.

3. Contribute to a safe, structured, and predictable environment.

4. Promote wellbeing, confidence, and self-advocacy.

Assessment, Progress & Documentation

1. Support the recording of learner progress and achievements.

2. Contribute to:

o Termly reviews

o EHCP reviews

o Risk assessments and support plans

3. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in line with TAP requirements.

4. Provide feedback to tutors on learner progress and engagement.

Team Working & Communication

1. Work collaboratively with tutors, TAs, and the wider TAP team.

2. Communicate effectively with parents/carers and professionals when required.

3. Contribute to a consistent, person-centred approach across the BI pathway.

Safeguarding & Professional Practice

1. Safeguard all learners and promote their wellbeing at all times.

2. Follow TAP policies including safeguarding, behaviour, health & safety, and equality.

3. Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

4. Participate in training, supervision, and ongoing professional development.

CareTrade is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment. All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check (with barred list where applicable), references, verification of identity and qualifications, and proportionate online checks of publicly available information as part of the shortlisting process.

A Senior Sous Chef position is needed to assist the Executive head chef in the everyday running and organising of the kitchen and to line manage assistant chefs and kitchen porters. Menu planning, food ordering, stock control, and event delivery.

This role is a fixed-term contract for one year.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that all the Lambeth Palace kitchen team are fully trained in the food safety management systems and procedures, implemented by the Executive Head Chef.
• Work under and closely with the Executive Head Chef to ensure that all statutory legislation is adhered to by ensuring that standards and controls for Health & Safety, food hygiene, risk assessments, COSHH, manual handling are carried out as per current legislation.
• To ensure that the agreed standards of food preparation and presentation are always supervised and adhered to.
• To maintain Lambeth Palace's five star 'Scores on the Doors' council rating.
• Maintain and develop a positive and collaborative relationship with all colleagues, giving direction when necessary.
• Ensure that kitchen timesheets are completed and submitted in a timely manner.
• Working within the HSE guidelines, the Senior Sous Chef will support the Executive Head Chef to ensure allergen training is provided to all hospitality staff.
• To ensure that food waste is minimised and Lambeth Palace's sustainability targets are met reducing our environmental impact.
• To deputise for the Executive Head Chef in their absence.
• Working with the Executive Head Chef on menu development, to plan nutritious and varied seasonal menus, taking into account special dietary requirements and the seasons of the Church.
• Ensure that kitchen stock levels are maintained, rotated where appropriate, and that any need for replenishment is identified.
• Maintain kitchen equipment inventories, and reporting shortages, damage or required replacements in a timely manner.
• To conduct daily briefings with any additional or agency kitchen staff, ensuring they understand what is required of them, as well as the desired quality and production output for the day.
• To work closely with the wider Lambeth Palace hospitality team to ensure that we remain competitive and in line with current trends.

Essential

Qualifications/Skills

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
• Food hygiene management experience (COSHH, HACCP).
• Allergen Training

Knowledge/Experience

• Considerable experience operating different sections within the kitchen including pastry & baking.
• Experience in delivering fine-dining and banqueting catering.

Skills & Abilities

• A 'can-do' attitude and an aptitude for solving problems as they arise.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Demonstrable experience cooking a mixture of 'high-end' à la carte food and home cooking, as required.
• Considerable experience with catering for events up to 500 guests.
• Experience of baking to a high standard.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Self-motivated with the ability to motivate others.
• A confident, helpful personality and professional representative for Lambeth Palace.
• A keen eye for detail and anticipating other people's needs.

Personal Attributes

• Able to work flexibly, particularly evenings and occasional weekends.
• A sympathy with and interest in the Archbishop of Canterbury's ministry.
• Ability to support a culture of pride, ownership and desire to exceed expectation.
• Ability to foster a culture of flexibility.
• Ability to respond quickly and positively to changing requirements whether within the department or outside in order to meet demands and guest service needs.
• Discreet with the awareness and emotional intelligence to adapt working style and approach in different situations.
• This post is subject to a basic DBS check.

Desirable

Skills/Aptitudes

• The post holder should have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office for day-to-day office administration.
• First Aid qualification

Closing date for applications is 01 July 2026, 23:55 pm

We're looking for a passionate, compassionate and resilient Waking Night Support Worker to join our Mental Health Social Care Service in Richmond.

£23,203.00 per annum, working 30 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
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)
* 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
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
* Free DBS
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.

Night Support Workers enable people with particular needs to manage their tenancies and live independent lives of their choosing in the community. Night Support Workers are responsible for ensuring continuity of a support service at night and for keeping customers and the building safe.

The working pattern for this role is: -
Week 1
M10, TOff, WOff, TOff, F10, S10, S0ff

Week 2
MOff, T10, W10, TOff, FOff, SOff, S10

What you'll do:
- Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere
- Working proactively with other members of the team to handle the service caseload and administrative responsibilities
- Conducting key work sessions as required, that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
- Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking'
- Providing support with daily living activities, including practical assistance to support customers to independent living e.g. budgeting, cooking, establishing a night time routine
- Supporting customers to maintain a healthy environment and where appropriate assisting them to clean their accommodation and maintain good personal hygiene
- Assisting in the recording and reporting of customer incidents
- Managing customer referrals, completing assessments and obtaining and maintaining all relevant paperwork Developing productive relationships with partner organisations to improve service outcomes
- Adhering to lone working protocols and maintaining high levels of awareness in relation to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues

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
- Exudes a warm friendly presence 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 organized
- Able to apply the right balance of care and support dependant on the needs of the customer

What you'll bring:
Essential
- NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent with little or some previous relevant sector work experience

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.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

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.

Please see our website for full Job description on our website

Salary:
£15.02 per hour (Inclusive of London weighting) plus £55 for sleep-in shifts.

Hours: Zero hours, As Needed

We provide holistic support, including one to one key work, Support Planning, Life and Employability Skills Workshops and opportunities for personal development. We’re seeking to recruit Relief Support Workers to join the team in providing support to vulnerable people.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of our Service Users? About supporting vulnerable people and preparing them for increased independence? Do you have experience working in supported housing with young people and/or extensive experience of supporting vulnerable and/or challenging young people?

To join us you will need to demonstrate a holistic approach in relating to vulnerable people and an understanding of the pressures facing vulnerable people, particularly around homelessness.  You will need the ability to engage, relate and motivate vulnerable people, to use your initiative and work flexibly in a demanding environment. Communication is vital to the work that we do, and you will need strong communication skills and have the ability to effectively and efficiently author, read and transfer information both electronically and verbally. You will be using a range of platforms to document information and interactions, so knowledge of word processing programmes such as Word are essential. 

In return you will benefit from a supportive, creative environment and have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills. We are passionate about our staff and believe in caring for them in the same ways we care about our service users. We believe staff are the foundation stone to the success of the charity and so we do everything we can to make sure they feel valued, supported, engaged and developed. We welcome applicants from all faiths or none, but it is important that all employees understand and sympathise with the Christian ethos of Oasis Community Housing.

Please note – we may not be able to contact candidates who have not been shortlisted, if you do not hear from Oasis within six weeks of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful.

To apply for this role, please use the Apply link below. Using the links to the Job Description, Guidance and our Ethos and Values.

Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, meeting essential criteria and Enhanced DBS.

Please note CVs are not accepted.