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The Hospice of St Francis

Bank / Casual Cook

The closing date is 30 April 2026

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Job summary

We are looking for an experienced Cook to help our small friendly kitchen team, preparing food for patients, visitors and staff. Our shifts are 08:0014:00 or 16:3019:30 (one shift per day). We require someone who is flexible and able to cover both shifts.

The food we provide is a highly valued part of our service, making a real difference to our patients, families, staff and visitors. The team also provides catering to Hospice.

Main duties of the job

  • Maintain high standards of hygiene at all times in accordance with environmental health and Safer Food, Better Business for preparation of food, and the handling and storage of goods.
  • Assist with menu planning to meet the specific nutritional needs of patients and provide guidance and leadership for the catering assistants including consideration for the reduction of waste.
  • Be available to meet with patients to discuss their eating requirements when require
  • Assist in the provision of food for Hospice education, social and fundraising events when required.

About us

We are so proud of what we do, and you could be part of that to. With a rich, diverse history, which began back in 1979 with our founders, weve been making a difference ever since.

Today our free care supports 2,000 local people and their families, in Herts and Bucks. We truly are a community hospice built and funded by the community, to serve the community.

Details

Date posted

20 March 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£12.21 an hour

Contract

Bank

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

B0249-21-9392

Job locations

The Hospice Of St. Francis

Spring Garden Lane

Berkhamsted

Hertfordshire

HP4 3GW


Job description

Job responsibilities

To work within the kitchen providing a catering service for patients, staff and visitors

as directed by the Head of Catering, catering for Hospice functions may also be required. To assist the Head of Catering and/or Senior Cook in providing a nutritious, well balanced diet for patients, staff and visitors to a high standard of preparation and within budgetary requirements. Represent the organisation and uphold the organisations reputation and values and to support the organisations income generation activity.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To work within the kitchen providing a catering service for patients, staff and visitors

as directed by the Head of Catering, catering for Hospice functions may also be required. To assist the Head of Catering and/or Senior Cook in providing a nutritious, well balanced diet for patients, staff and visitors to a high standard of preparation and within budgetary requirements. Represent the organisation and uphold the organisations reputation and values and to support the organisations income generation activity.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Food hygiene certificate level 2
  • City & Guilds 706 1 and 2 or equivalent NVQ qualification in Catering
  • Minimum of 18 months working as a cook within a catering environment
  • Experience of cleaning all catering equipment, food preparation and different cooking methods.
  • To have good knowledge of various cooking methods, such as boiling, grilling, roasting and reheating
  • Experience working as part of a team and a flexible and adaptable approach.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Food hygiene certificate level 2
  • City & Guilds 706 1 and 2 or equivalent NVQ qualification in Catering
  • Minimum of 18 months working as a cook within a catering environment
  • Experience of cleaning all catering equipment, food preparation and different cooking methods.
  • To have good knowledge of various cooking methods, such as boiling, grilling, roasting and reheating
  • Experience working as part of a team and a flexible and adaptable approach.

Desirable

  • Ability to work across 7 days with the flexibility to work day / supper shifts
  • Respect and follow the Hospices values.
  • Your internal & external contacts will include all Employees, Volunteers, Trustees and Patrons, plus members of the general public and external organisations/suppliers.
  • The post-holder will come into contact with emotional circumstances, through speaking to staff, volunteers and patients and or information. The post holder will frequently be required to change from one activity to another to meet the changing needs of the service
  • You will be expected to comply with Health and Safety, Fire and Infection Control regulations and Hospice policies. You will need to complete all mandatory training.
  • Safeguarding: Act in a manner at all times to safeguard the interests of individual patients/clients and their families and justify public trust and confidence in the Hospice of St Francis
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Food hygiene certificate level 2
  • City & Guilds 706 1 and 2 or equivalent NVQ qualification in Catering
  • Minimum of 18 months working as a cook within a catering environment
  • Experience of cleaning all catering equipment, food preparation and different cooking methods.
  • To have good knowledge of various cooking methods, such as boiling, grilling, roasting and reheating
  • Experience working as part of a team and a flexible and adaptable approach.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Food hygiene certificate level 2
  • City & Guilds 706 1 and 2 or equivalent NVQ qualification in Catering
  • Minimum of 18 months working as a cook within a catering environment
  • Experience of cleaning all catering equipment, food preparation and different cooking methods.
  • To have good knowledge of various cooking methods, such as boiling, grilling, roasting and reheating
  • Experience working as part of a team and a flexible and adaptable approach.

Desirable

  • Ability to work across 7 days with the flexibility to work day / supper shifts
  • Respect and follow the Hospices values.
  • Your internal & external contacts will include all Employees, Volunteers, Trustees and Patrons, plus members of the general public and external organisations/suppliers.
  • The post-holder will come into contact with emotional circumstances, through speaking to staff, volunteers and patients and or information. The post holder will frequently be required to change from one activity to another to meet the changing needs of the service
  • You will be expected to comply with Health and Safety, Fire and Infection Control regulations and Hospice policies. You will need to complete all mandatory training.
  • Safeguarding: Act in a manner at all times to safeguard the interests of individual patients/clients and their families and justify public trust and confidence in the Hospice of St Francis

Employer details

Employer name

The Hospice of St Francis

Address

The Hospice Of St. Francis

Spring Garden Lane

Berkhamsted

Hertfordshire

HP4 3GW


Employer's website

https://www.stfrancis.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

The Hospice of St Francis

Address

The Hospice Of St. Francis

Spring Garden Lane

Berkhamsted

Hertfordshire

HP4 3GW


Employer's website

https://www.stfrancis.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Details

Date posted

20 March 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£12.21 an hour

Contract

Bank

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

B0249-21-9392

Job locations

The Hospice Of St. Francis

Spring Garden Lane

Berkhamsted

Hertfordshire

HP4 3GW


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