Job summary
We are looking for an outstanding Chef who's passionate about food and wants to make a difference. You'll be working full time, 40 hours a week at Hollyhurst, creating an excellent experience for the people in our care.
Please note: This is a fixed term contract that ends in May 2027. Working Hours are to be discussed at interview, and the role includes some weekend working.
Main duties of the job
At Cygnet, we support our people to grow their careers, gain new skills and keep stepping up. Apply now to enjoy excellent career prospects while reaping the rewards of making a difference to others every day.
About us
Cygnet Health Care was established in 1988. Since then we have developed a wide range of services for individuals with mental health needs, autism and learning disabilities within the UK. We have built a reputation for delivering pioneering services and outstanding outcomes for the people in our care. Our expert and highly dedicated care team of 10 000 employees empower 2864 individuals across 150 services to consistently make a positive difference to their lives, through service-user focused care and rehabilitation.
Details
- Date posted: 03 September 2026
- Pay scheme: Other
- Salary: £13.70 an hour increasing to £14.00 ph at 3 months & £14.25 ph at 18 months
- Contract: Fixed term
- Duration: 8 months
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: VP8206E276
- Job locations: Darlington, DL3 9LN, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
Helping others improve and turn their lives around there's no better feeling. Its what we do for thousands of people at more than 150 sites across the UK. Be a part of it.
We are looking for an outstanding Chef who's passionate about food and wants to make a difference.
You'll be working full time, 40 hours a week at Hollyhurst,creating an excellent experience for the people in our care.
Hollyhurst is a specialist residential service with nursing, supporting people with learning disabilities and complex needs in Darlington, County Durham. The specialist MDT led team support people who have additional mental or physical health needs and behaviours that may challenge.
Your Day-to-Day...
- Prepare, cook & serve nutritional, balanced and appetising meals for patients, staff & visitors
- Liaise with nursing colleagues to meet patients nutritional & dietary needs
- Ensure the cleanliness of the kitchen, service areas & dining room
- Supervise kitchen staff when deputising for the Head Chef Maintain personal hygiene to comply with Cygnet standards and food hygiene regulations
- Handle, maintain & store kitchen equipment in accordance with Cygnet procedures
- Use chemicals in line with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations
You are...
- A skilled chef, preferably with experience in the care sector
- The holder of a basic food hygiene certificate, with good personal hygiene standards
- Polite & professional, with a positive attitude to internal & external quests at all times
- An excellent communicator able to liaise with people at all levels
- Able to work on your own initiative, as part of a team & under supervision
Why Cygnet? We'll offer you
- £13.70 per hour increasing to £14.00 per at 3 months & £14.25 at 18 months
- Strong career progression opportunities
- Expert supervision & support
- Pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme & employee discount saving
Please note: successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
What next?
If you care about making a difference we want to talk to you.
Click the button to apply
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Chef (FTC) with Cygnet Health Care in Darlington, England. It is listed as a Chef role. The advertised salary is £13.70. The contract type is Fixed-Term. The application deadline is 22 Sep 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (03 Sep 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHSjob search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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