Cook

1. Safeguarding and resident wellbeing
   You will:

• understand that food, hydration and mealtimes can affect resident wellbeing
• report any concern that may affect a resident’s safety, nutrition, hydration or dignity
• follow safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures where required
• protect confidentiality when discussing residents’ dietary or care needs

Behavioural Attributes
In this role, you will be expected to be:

• proud of good food, cleanliness and presentation
• reliable, punctual and consistent
• organised and calm during busy kitchen periods
• careful with food safety, allergies, records and hygiene
• respectful of residents’ choices, preferences and dignity
• willing to listen to feedback and adapt where appropriate
• collaborative with care and activities colleagues
• honest when mistakes, shortages or concerns occur
• practical, tidy and methodical in the kitchen
• conscious of waste and value for money
• positive about food as part of residents’ quality of life

What Good Looks Like in This Role
Good performance in this role means:

• residents receive meals that are safe, nutritious, varied and enjoyable
• food is prepared on time, safely and to a good standard
• dietary needs, allergies and preferences are followed carefully
• food safety records and cleaning checks are completed accurately
• the kitchen is clean, organised and inspection-ready
• food waste is minimised without compromising quality
• concerns about appetite, nutrition or mealtimes are reported promptly
• residents and colleagues experience the kitchen as calm, helpful and caring
• mealtimes support dignity, comfort and a sense of home

This Role Is Not Suitable For Individuals Who:

• see care home cooking as basic catering rather than part of resident wellbeing
• cut corners with food hygiene, allergens, temperatures or records
• dislike routine checks, cleaning schedules or documentation
• ignore resident preferences or feedback
• become easily flustered in a busy kitchen
• are careless with stock, waste or storage
• avoid working with care staff or other departments
• are unreliable with timekeeping or attendance
• avoid reporting mistakes, shortages or food safety concerns

Training and Development
You will be expected to:

• participate in induction, supervision and appraisal processes
• complete all mandatory and role-specific training
• engage in continuous learning and development
• contribute to your own development and the development of the kitchen team
• ask for support when you are unsure or need further guidance
• apply learning in day-to-day practice so residents benefit from safe, nutritious and person-centred food service

General Responsibilities
You will be expected to:

• attend meetings, training and supervision as required
• adhere to all company policies and procedures
• work in line with Oaklands’ values and expected behaviours
• maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• follow safeguarding, whistleblowing, infection control, health and safety, food safety and data protection requirements
• use Oaklands’ systems and documentation properly
• work flexibly and collaboratively to meet the needs of residents and the home
• carry out reasonable duties requested by the management team in line with the role

Person Specification

Essential
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• previous experience cooking in a professional, care, hospitality, school or similar kitchen setting
• ability to prepare nutritious, appetising meals safely and consistently
• understanding of food hygiene, kitchen safety and safe food handling
• ability to follow menus, recipes, dietary instructions and kitchen procedures
• awareness of allergies, special diets and resident preferences
• ability to complete kitchen records accurately
• pride in cleanliness, organisation and presentation
• ability to work calmly under time pressure
• reliability and good timekeeping
• respect for older people and residents living with dementia
• willingness to work collaboratively with care and management teams

Desirable
The following are helpful:

• food hygiene qualification
• experience in a care home, healthcare or school kitchen
• experience supporting special diets, allergies or texture-adapted meals
• experience with kitchen records, temperature checks and cleaning schedules
• experience with home cooking and baking
• understanding of nutrition for older people

Expected Outcomes
In this role, success means:

• residents enjoy safe, nutritious and well-prepared meals
• food is served on time and at the correct temperature
• dietary needs, allergies and preferences are followed carefully
• kitchen records and checks are completed properly
• the kitchen remains clean, tidy and safe
• food waste is controlled appropriately
• resident feedback and concerns are shared with the right people
• Oaklands’ values are reflected in food preparation and mealtime support

Additional Requirements
This role requires:

• satisfactory DBS check where required for the role
• suitable references
• right to work in the UK
• completion of Oaklands induction and mandatory training
• food hygiene and kitchen-specific training as required
• compliance with Oaklands policies and procedures
• participation in supervision, training and development
• flexibility to meet the needs of residents and the home

Safeguarding Statement
All staff at Oaklands Rest Home have a duty to protect residents from harm, abuse, neglect and poor practice. As a Cook, you must report concerns relating to nutrition, hydration, swallowing, food refusal, weight loss, distress around mealtimes, food safety or any issue that may affect a resident’s safety or wellbeing.