Cook jobs in Islington, greater london

Come join an incredible team using joy, adventure and the outdoors to transform the mental health of London's most disadvantaged children. We're looking for someone a little bit special who believes in the deep potential of children who are not thriving elsewhere in life.

The position is a dual role. You’ll join as one of three dedicated Youth Workers and will lead on a portion of Free to Be Kids’ year-round follow-on support for vulnerable young people who we have already engaged via our Thrive Outside residentials. Crucially, a core aspect of the role will be leading an average of 8-10 of our residential projects across each year - working on the ground with the children, leading the volunteers, and helping make the projects special, safe, and transformative for vulnerable young people, many of whom have complex needs. You’ll be joining a small staff team of 9, supplemented by a vibrant and committed group of volunteers.

Attendance at approximately 8-10 five-six night residential projects per year outside London is a core component of this role. A full driving licence is not required but may be an advantage.

Watch our 2 min introductory video to see the power of what we do. https://bit.ly/ASummaryOfOurWork

On offer to the right candidate:

Salary: Circa £29,000-£32,000, dependent on experience.

Hours: Fulltime: 37.5 hours per week. Essential attendance on at c.8-10 residential projects a year.

Leave: 25 days per year, plus bank holidays and up to 13 additional pre-set discretionary reward days in September and during the Christmas period.

Other benefits: 4% employer pension contribution paid on full base salary, rising by 1% per year of service, up to a maximum of 7%, hybrid working, office with great transport links, flexible working (outside core hours), employee reward scheme, a tight-knit effective team with great morale.

Based: Hybrid – our small office in Waterloo, London. Hybrid working is well established with the majority of the team splitting time around 50:50 between the office and home.

To start: February-March 2026

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Who we’re looking for:

Our next Youth Work hero. You'll be fun, active, energised, resilient, and experienced in work with young people with complex needs, and looking to join an organisation you can believe in and who in return will believe and invest in you.

You’ll have multi years’ experience working alongside young people who might struggle in other settings and will be used to dealing with a range of behaviours and complex support needs, ideally including mental health support needs,with a good understanding of safeguarding. A basic level of comfortableness in the outdoors, resilience to keep going with a smile when it's wet outside, and the silliness to be the first to jump into the lake will see you in good stead for this role.

You’ll have the flexibility to work away from home on up to 10 week-long residential projects per year. Ideally, you’ll also have experience of leading projects for children – whether residential or non-residential. Experience of working on or leading residentials projects themselves is not required but may be an advantage.

We are a small, vibrant, fun and friendly staff team of 9, growing to 11 when these 2 Youth Worker vacancies are filled, supported by a committed volunteer base of around 200.

We are particularly keen to encourage applications from those who can help us represent the lived experiences of our children through their own lived experience or background.

To apply:

See full Job Description & Person Specification on our website.

Send all 3 application elements in one email to the address within the application pack by the closing date of 8pm, Tuesday 13th January 2026.

• CV or up to date LinkedIn profile.
• A short introductory video of 1-3 minutes (maximum) showing your vibrancy, fit for the role, recapping your existing experience, and telling us something interesting about yourself! (Top tips: Keep it fast paced and lively; shorter may be better; touch on the person characteristics set for the role; something filmed quickly on your phone which feels organic is what we’re looking for.) As this is a people facing role the video’s purpose is to help bring life to your application, whilst helping us filter out solely AI written ones. We want to get a strong sense of YOU as we are looking for FIT with the organization, as well as experience.
• (optional) A short (1 side max) cover letter to bring your application to life.

Selection Process and Timeline:

Selection will be via two stage interview. As there is only a short turnaround from application closure on 13th January to 1st stage interviews 8th-9th January, we will assess applications and offer interview slots throughout the window. However, you will not be disadvantaged if you need to wait till the closing date to submit.

1st stage interviews: Monday 19th - Wednesday 21st January (virtual). We may offer some interview slots throughout the window but you will not be disadvantaged if you need to wait till towards the deadline to apply.

2nd stage final interviews: Wednesday 28th - Thursday 29th th January (in-person, London Waterloo)

Please hold interview dates as alternates dates are unlikely to be available.

​The role requires an Enhanced DBS check and existing right to work in the UK.

If you have any questions about the role, contact us via our website and we’d be happy to arrange an informal chat. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Beyond Food Foundation is looking for an inspirational Food Engagement Lead.

Our programmes are built around the kitchen and dining table, you will work closely with our Head Training and Events Chef, CEO and Programme manager to craft sessions, workshops and experiences to leverage the power of food for changing lives.

A key role within the charity, the Food Engagement Lead will help the charity to deliver its strategic aims, being part of an exciting and dynamic team who change lives every day.  You will bring an in depth knowledge of nutrition, food science and eating for wellbeing to the table. Using this to deliver training and activities  which help people to engage with cooking,  fresh food and a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Training, workshop facilitation, dietician expereince or nutritional coaching skills or experience would be a major plus. 

£36,000/ 39,000 p/a   40 hrs P/W, between E6 Beckton and Central London locations

40hrs per week - Monday - Friday. 

28 Days annual leave + bank holidays.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Behaviour Support Workers to join our Birchall Wood Service in Hertfordshire.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

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

Want to feel like you're making a difference? 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.

Specialist Behaviour Support Workers are responsible for supporting people with learning disabilities and behavioural needs to live full lives, develop skills and maintain their wellbeing.

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:

• Supporting the customer to lead a full and active life and do things they enjoy, sensitively and persistently trying to new things to open new opportunities for the customer.
• Developing the customer's independent living skills and involving them in aspects of maintaining and developing their home, including cooking, shopping, cleaning, and decorating.
• Supporting the customer in their sensory routine, trialling and testing new sensory experiences.
• Supporting the customer to communicate their wants and needs and develop new ways of doing this, communicating with them in a person-centred way.

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 with the hobbies and interests of the customer and can facilitate connections with new people and places.
• Has a reasonable level of physical fitness and is able / likes to participate in active pursuits such as running and swimming.
• Is confident enough to try new things and take positive risks on a regular basis.
• Exudes a warm friendly and fun presence.
• Prefers working as part of a group or team.

What you'll bring:

Essential:

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Minimum 2 years of experience working with customers with Autism/Challenging Behaviour/learning disabilities

Driving licence and a willingness to drive as part of support duties

Desirable:

Experience of engaging vulnerable people with complex needs in meaningful activities.

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 120 services, providing support to around 6000 customers each year.

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

About the role:

Step into a role where your drive, resilience and belief in young people can truly change lives. As a Young Person’s Worker across our accommodation services in Islington and Waltham Forest, you will be right alongside young people at risk of homelessness, helping them move from uncertainty towards stability and independence. This is hands on, purposeful work where every day matters, and where your determination can unlock real opportunity for those who need it most.

In this role, you will manage a caseload of young people, building trusted relationships and empowering them to lead their journey forward. You will create and review personalised support and safety plans, support moves into independent accommodation, and help young people take confident steps into education, training or employment. Working within a trauma informed and strengths based approach, you will champion each young person’s goals while developing practical life skills such as budgeting, self care and cooking. You will also support access to essential services including mental health support, housing advice and employment pathways, motivating and coaching young people to take ownership of their futures.

At Single Homeless Project (SHP), you will be part of a tenacious, values driven team that does not shy away from challenge and believes in doing things differently to achieve lasting change. We will support your ambition with ongoing training, development and the chance to grow your career while making a genuine impact. If you are ready to bring your energy, compassion and persistence to a role that truly matters, we would love to hear from you.

About you:

• You bring experience working with young people in the community and in accommodation services.
• Your toolkit includes practical skills in motivation and coaching young people
• Your approach is creative, analytical, trauma-informed and rooted in a strengths and recovery model.
• You can creatively inspire opportunities for our young people to thrive and to develop to their highest potential.
• A non-judgmental approach to working with complex needs young people and to promote a strengths-based approach and an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Strong team-working and interpersonal skills, maintaining a collaborative approach to supporting young people achieve the outcomes and goals we support them to set for themselves.

About Us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important Info:

Please note we will be reviewing applications as they are received and progressing those suitable to interview at our Head Office in Kings Cross on an adhoc basis. Therefore please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the advert once suitable candidates are identified. 

Please note there will be a second round of interviews in service for progressed candidates.

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications requiring sponsorship or with insufficient right to work will not be accepted or progressed.

The Beyond Food Foundation is looking for a Head Training and Events Chef.

Do you have the skills to train groups of young people and vulnerable adults to achieve amazing things in the kitchen? 

Do you want to be part of helping to change people's lives?

We are looking for someone inspirational to lead on our in-kitchen skills training and drive high standards of food production across all training and events. 

You will bring industry insights and experience to the role, leveraging these to support trainees into further training, work or volunteering roles in hospitality.

Our programmes are built around the kitchen and dining table, you will work closely with a Food Engagement Lead to craft sessions and experiences to leverage the power of food for changing lives. 

£40,000 - £44,000 experience dependant -  40hrs per week -  Generally Monday - Friday. 

The Foundry, E6 5NX and across London as required. 

28 Days annual leave + bank holidays.

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of Autistic young people? Do you believe in the power of education to transform lives? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you at The Rise School in Feltham!

The Rise School, rated ‘Good' by Ofsted, supports autistic pupils aged 4–18. At full capacity, 130 young people learn with us across primary and secondary phases. Our mission is simple: to ensure every pupil is seen, valued and celebrated for who they are.

We are looking for an enthusiastic English Intervention Teaching and Learning Assistant, with a strong focus on developing reading and comprehension skills, to help our learners thrive.

Make a difference every day

As part of our intervention team, you will work closely with small groups of pupils, helping them build essential reading and literacy skills. Your sessions will empower learners to connect with language, understand the world around them and grow in independence.

Using a Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) approach, you'll create calm, structured and motivating spaces where pupils feel safe, confident and ready to learn. With the guidance of our teachers and curriculum leads, you'll deliver targeted interventions that help students close the gap between their starting points and age-related expectations in English.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who believes in autistic young people, who values inclusive practice, and who wants to develop their expertise within a supportive, skilled and highly committed team.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to and champion the vision and values of our school community.
• Lead English intervention sessions for small groups of pupils with identified learning needs.
• Plan, deliver and evaluate high-quality teaching and learning activities, supported by the Class Teacher, Department Lead and Assessment & Curriculum Lead.
• Provide behavioural and learning support using a Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) approach.
• Actively develop your understanding of effective pedagogy, including:
  • Teacher-talk and instructional clarity
  • Skilled questioning and dialogue
  • Formative assessment
  • Modelling and scaffolding learning

 Why join us?

• We are committed to CPD, where you can access a wide range of training and development opportunities to support your personal and professional development
• We offer a wide range of wellbeing activities including yoga, cooking classes and zumba
• Competitive annual salary and pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme, to help you balance your work, family and personal life
• Free Perkbox subscription offering benefits of particular services at reduced costs

Closing Date: Sunday 5th January 2026

Shortlisting Date:  Monday 6th January 2026

Interview Date: week beginning Monday 12th January 2026

 Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Chief Executive Officer - FoodCycle
Location: Vauxhall, London (flexible working; regular travel to Projects and for meeting with key stakeholders required)
Salary: circa £75,000
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35–37.5 hours per week)

Are you ready to lead FoodCycle through a period of consolidation and sustainable growth, protecting its volunteer-led, guest-centred model while building reliable income streams and scaling proven pilots?

About FoodCycle
FoodCycle is a national charity running volunteer-powered community dining projects that combine rescued surplus food, spare kitchen space and local volunteers to deliver free, hot, sociable three-course meals. Our work sits at the intersection of food-waste reduction, food-poverty relief and loneliness prevention. Nationally scaled but locally delivered, FoodCycle has grown rapidly, enjoys strong volunteer goodwill and is developing promising trading and schools pilots to strengthen sustainability.

As our next CEO you will:

• Shape strategy & impact - co-create and implement a clear 3–5 year strategy and a focused 12-month operational plan with measurable milestones.

• Stabilise leadership & culture - provide visible, warm and practical leadership across Projects; develop the senior team and protect volunteer trust.

• Secure financial sustainability - own the income strategy, diversify revenue across trusts, individual giving, corporate partnerships and trading, and present credible cashflow plans to the board.

• Build commercial & trading capacity - drive Manor House and other trading pilots towards viable, repeatable income models.

• Safeguard quality & risk - ensure robust safeguarding, food-safety and operational thresholds for opening new Projects.

• Raise profile & partnerships - act as FoodCycle’s principal ambassador to corporates, funders, local authorities and policy audiences.

Who you are

• A senior leader with experience stabilising and growing people-facing, delivery-focused organisations.

• Proven at generating income from multiple streams, with commercial fluency to develop simple trading models and convert corporate engagement into lasting partnerships.

• Financially literate - comfortable owning budgets, forecasting and discussing risk with trustees.

• Excellent at people and change management - able to build and motivate small national teams and large volunteer cohorts.

• Data-driven, curious and pragmatic - tests pilots, embeds what works and sets clear go/no-go criteria for scale.

• Values-driven and visible - passionate about food justice, guest dignity and volunteer leadership.

• Right to work in the UK and satisfactory DBS checks required.

Why FoodCycle?

• Lead a nationally recognised, volunteer-led movement tackling food waste, food poverty and social isolation.

• Play a pivotal role growing promising trading and schools pilots to create sustainable income.

• Work with an engaged Chair and committed board, and a small, passionate national team.

• Be part of a friendly, non-hierarchical culture where leaders are visible in Projects.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill at via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 19th January 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Fundraising Relationship Manager

Hours: 30-35 hours to be discussed. Overnight travel required occasionally
Annual leave: 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (FTE)
Pay: £33-40,000 FTE depending on experience.
Location: Home-based, England. The North West and the Midlands are of particular interest - however, other areas could include: North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, East of England, South East, London and Wales
Closing: Midnight, 11th January 2026.
 

What you'll do

We’re looking for a Fundraising Relationship Manager to nurture and grow a portfolio of corporate partners, identify new opportunities, and help shape our exciting Gaming for Good work. Whether you’re an experienced fundraiser or you bring transferable skills from sales, account management or marketing, you’ll play a key role in securing income that directly benefits thousands of children each year.

You’ll build warm, purposeful connections, create tailored, compelling proposals, and provide inspiring updates that keep supporters engaged and motivated. This role is perfect for someone who loves meeting people, spotting potential, and telling stories that bring our mission to life.

About you

We’re open to applicants who are new to fundraising but have excellent communication skills, creativity, strong organisational habits, and a genuine passion for what we do. You’ll work from home, with occasional travel to meet supporters and visit our programmes, supported by a friendly and collaborative team spread across the country.

About The Country Trust

The Country Trust is a growing, energetic charity helping children in disadvantaged children connect with the land that sustains us all. Through food, farming and countryside experiences we provide opportunities that build confidence, curiosity and real-world learning that can transform their futures. 

Closing: Midnight, 11th January 2026.

The Beyond Food Foundation is looking for a Programmes assistant. 

Do you have the skills to support groups of young people and adults to achieve their full potential? 

Do you want to be part of helping to change people's lives?

We are looking for someone to support the delivery of our life changing programmes. 

Ideally you will have some experience in working with young people, vulnerable adults or assisting with education / training programmes. 

Our programmes are built around the kitchen and dining table, you will work closely with a Chef trainer and Food Engagement Lead to make the sessions run smoothly. An understanding of food or the hospitality industry is a bonus. 

£29,000 - 35,000 per annum, experience dependant -  40hrs per week -  Monday - Friday. 

The Foundry, E6 5NX and across London as required. 

28 Days annual leave + bank holidays

National Learning and Development Coordinator
 
ABOUT THE ROLE
 
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week, full time
Salary: £38,870.89 per year (plus London Weighting if applicable)
Place of work: London, or within commuting distance to one of L'Arche's Communities
Contract Type: Full time, permanent
Closing date: Sunday 18th January 23:59
 
This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
 
Main purpose of the role:
The Learning and Development Coordinator is key to setting and maintaining the strategic direction for the people and culture team, as part of the learning and development function in L'Arche. This role provides direction and support to L'Arche Communities in the UK, focusing on learning and development in service of the Mission, and our national and regulatory requirements. 

The Learning and Development Coordinator provides line management to the National Learning and Development team, supporting and overseeing the coordination of key areas of learning.

In close partnership with national and local learning and development structures, they will ensure the implementation of objectives identified in the national and local community's learning and development strategic priorities.
 
Key essential criteria:

• Proven experience of developing and delivering learning and development plans aligned to L'Arche's needs and regulatory requirements;
• Experience of line management, including coaching, support, and performance management of employees and volunteers;
• Strong understanding of learning pathways, skills frameworks, and evaluation of impact; 
• Knowledge of mandatory and regulatory training requirements, including safeguarding;
• Experience of using or managing a Learning Management System (LMS); 
• Experience in a learning and development role, ideally within a charity, social care or health organisation;

You can find more details about L'Arche on our website.
 
Discover what makes L’Arche a rewarding place to work—explore our employee benefits on our website.
 
Please download the recruitment pack for more details and a full job description and person specification. 
 
The closing date for applications is: Sunday 18th January 23:59
 
Interviews are expected to take place in the week beginning 26 January 2026.
 
We encourage you not to wait until the closing date to submit your application, as we may begin interviewing strong candidates before then.

We also reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive enough suitable applications.
 
To apply, please answer the questions on our online application form.
 
Please also read our privacy notice for job applicants.
 
REF-225 795