Barchester Healthcare

Peripatetic Chef

The closing date is 17 May 2026

Job summary

The job posting is for a Peripatetic Chef position at Barchester Healthcare, a leading healthcare provider in the UK. The role involves supporting multiple care homes in the region by delivering high-quality fresh food and providing a warm and welcoming environment for residents. Barchester is known for its commitment to quality care and is a highly regarded employer in the healthcare sector, offering a range of benefits and opportunities for professional development.

Main duties of the job

The Peripatetic Chef will be responsible for preparing and serving nutritious and appetizing meals for residents in Barchester's care homes. The role requires a good understanding of nutrition, experience working with fresh seasonal ingredients, and the ability to create a warm and welcoming environment for residents. The successful candidate will have relevant qualifications, such as NVQs/SVQs or City & Guilds equivalents, and up-to-date food hygiene knowledge. Strong kitchen management skills and the confidence to engage with residents are also essential.

About us

Barchester Healthcare is a leading provider of healthcare services in the UK, operating 224 care homes and hospitals across the country. The company is committed to delivering high-quality care and has received numerous accolades, including a two-star outstanding rating from Best Companies and recognition as one of the best companies to work for in the UK.

Details

Date posted

18 March 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£19 an hour

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

1475832153

Job locations

Barchester Healthcare

Denmead

PO7 6XP


Job description

Job responsibilities

Are you a qualified Chef looking for more of a work life balance whilst looking for an opportunity to make what you do matter? We are currently looking for a Peripatetic Chef to join the Barchester family to help support our care homes in and around our the region. Great opportunity to help support several teams and homes in delivering high quality fresh food.Here at the Barchester family, we work with an open, honest, supportive approach, where quality of care is at the heart of everything we do. As sector leading healthcare experts, we are proud to have the highest quality ratings across our 224 homes and hospitals across the UK. It is an exciting time to join the Barchester family . We have an ambitious new builds programme, aiming to open 10 brand new purpose-built homes per year. Barchester have proudly been awarded a two-star outstanding rating by Best Companies, ranked 11th in the top 20 Best Health & Social Care Companies to work for and 14th in the Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For in the UK. Barchester are also very proud to be the only healthcare provider in the UK to be accredited as one of the best companies to work for.

ABOUT YOU A personable approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents A good understanding of nutrition Experience of working with fresh seasonal food NVQs/SVQs or City & Guilds equivalent Up to date food hygiene Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within our home Confidence engaging with residents Strong kitchen management skills

REWARDS PACKAGE

Work life balance - working days with alternate weekends Competitive rate of pay + travel costs A range of holiday, retail and leisure discounts Opportunity to showcase your talent at the annual Barchester Hospitality Awards Unlimited access to our Refer a Friend bonus scheme

If you are a passionate chef who is keen to be part of a company that centres on celebrating life and making a difference, Barchester is the place to be. Please follow the link to apply and for further information please contact Tara Connor on tara.connor@barchester.com

0854

Job description

Job responsibilities

Are you a qualified Chef looking for more of a work life balance whilst looking for an opportunity to make what you do matter? We are currently looking for a Peripatetic Chef to join the Barchester family to help support our care homes in and around our the region. Great opportunity to help support several teams and homes in delivering high quality fresh food.Here at the Barchester family, we work with an open, honest, supportive approach, where quality of care is at the heart of everything we do. As sector leading healthcare experts, we are proud to have the highest quality ratings across our 224 homes and hospitals across the UK. It is an exciting time to join the Barchester family . We have an ambitious new builds programme, aiming to open 10 brand new purpose-built homes per year. Barchester have proudly been awarded a two-star outstanding rating by Best Companies, ranked 11th in the top 20 Best Health & Social Care Companies to work for and 14th in the Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For in the UK. Barchester are also very proud to be the only healthcare provider in the UK to be accredited as one of the best companies to work for.

ABOUT YOU A personable approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents A good understanding of nutrition Experience of working with fresh seasonal food NVQs/SVQs or City & Guilds equivalent Up to date food hygiene Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within our home Confidence engaging with residents Strong kitchen management skills

REWARDS PACKAGE

Work life balance - working days with alternate weekends Competitive rate of pay + travel costs A range of holiday, retail and leisure discounts Opportunity to showcase your talent at the annual Barchester Hospitality Awards Unlimited access to our Refer a Friend bonus scheme

If you are a passionate chef who is keen to be part of a company that centres on celebrating life and making a difference, Barchester is the place to be. Please follow the link to apply and for further information please contact Tara Connor on tara.connor@barchester.com

0854

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • The Peripatetic Chef role requires the following qualifications and experience: NVQs/SVQs or City & Guilds equivalent, up-to-date food hygiene knowledge, a good understanding of nutrition, and experience working with fresh seasonal food. The successful candidate should also have a personable approach, the ability to create a warm and welcoming environment, and strong kitchen management skills.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • The Peripatetic Chef role requires the following qualifications and experience: NVQs/SVQs or City & Guilds equivalent, up-to-date food hygiene knowledge, a good understanding of nutrition, and experience working with fresh seasonal food. The successful candidate should also have a personable approach, the ability to create a warm and welcoming environment, and strong kitchen management skills.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Barchester Healthcare

Address

Barchester Healthcare

Denmead

PO7 6XP


Employer's website

https://www.barchester.com/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Barchester Healthcare

Address

Barchester Healthcare

Denmead

PO7 6XP


Employer's website

https://www.barchester.com/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Recruitment Team

Barchester Healthcare

Recruitment@barchester.com

Details

Date posted

18 March 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£19 an hour

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

1475832153

Job locations

Barchester Healthcare

Denmead

PO7 6XP


Privacy notice

Barchester Healthcare's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)