Volunteer Cook

Do you love planning and cooking delicious meals? If so, we warmly invite you to join us as a Volunteer Cook at Skanda Vale Hospice where your focus will be to create fresh, wholesome and tasty meals to support the well-being of our patients, their families and our dedicated team. 

You’ll have a team of kitchen helpers and together your contribution will not only nourish the body but support the overall warmth and comforting experience that uplifts and benefits everyone at the hospice.

Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for overseas volunteers.

About Skanda Vale Hospice

Skanda Vale Hospice offers unhurried, highly individualised care and respite to families affected by life-limiting illnesses, completely free of charge. A beautiful and happy place, filled with laughter and vibrant colour, our hospice is nurse led and primarily run by volunteers. Volunteering with us means being a valued part of a dedicated team who give of themselves wholeheartedly. Compassion is at the heart of what we do, expressed by human kindness, generosity and a deep commitment to the well-being of everyone we care for and work alongside.

What will I be doing?

• Planning and preparing nutritious and appetising meals, tailored to different dietary requirements.

• Catering (with support from your team) for 30-50 people at lunchtime.

• Alternatively, providing additional smaller meals for patients during respite stays: cooked breakfast, dinner and snacks.

• Keeping a clean and organised kitchen, overseeing dishwashing plus sanitising of surfaces and equipment.

• Keeping temperature logs, and accurate records of expiry dates and stock levels.

• Along with catering colleagues, supporting a great team spirit and a happy environment.

How much time should I give?

Flexible, based on volunteer availability and hospice needs, but on average at least one day a month. Some volunteers choose to commit to frequent regular shifts while others offer their availability monthly or by arrangement to support day hospice, respite services or hospice events.

What are the benefits of being a Volunteer Cook?

• Sense of purpose, knowing you are making a positive difference to people in need.

• Seeing the pleasure your creativity and culinary skill bring to others.

• Being valued and appreciated as a key part of a friendly team.

• Training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.

• Working in a welcoming place with warmhearted people.

• Earn Tempo Time Credits to spend on activities both locally and across the UK.

• Travel expenses reimbursed.

What do I need to have?

• An ability to work well and communicate sensitively within a team, providing instruction and guidance to Catering Assistants.

• Be a confident home cook or have experience in professional catering.

• Physical stamina as our cooks are on their feet for some time.

• Reliability and punctuality since we need to serve meals on time. 

• An ability to remain calm and adapt to unexpected changes.

• A permanent UK address or a visa that allows you to stay and volunteer in the UK (unfortunately we cannot sponsor visa applications).

What training and support will I be given?

Our Cooks are supported by the Catering Lead and receive induction, training (such as Level 2 Food Hygiene) and ongoing support to ensure they feel confident and capable in their role.

How do I find out more?

Contact us or drop in at one of our Coffee Mornings. These are held between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm on the last Thursday of each month and offer the chance for an informal chat and a look around - while enjoying fresh coffee and homemade cake, free of charge. Come along, we’d love to meet you!