Chef

Job summary

We are looking for an outstanding Chef who's passionate about food and wants to make a difference. You'll be working 40 hours a week, working 10 hour shifts 8am to 6pm (on a rota basis) making a positive difference to the lives of the people in our care at Oaklands.

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: 21 August 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £13.70 an hour
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: VP02A33FDD
• Job locations: Hexham, NE46 4JR, 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.

Oaklands is a specialist residential service with nursing, supporting individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs in Hexham, Northumberland. The team support individuals who have additional mental or physical health needs and behaviours that may challenge.

You'll be working full time 40 hours a week, working 10 hour shifts 8am - 6pm on a rota basis.

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
• Experienced in Dysphagia and IDDSI level diets
• 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 hour after 3 months and £14.25 per hour after18 months
• 40 hours per week
• Regular coaching and appraisal
• Expert supervision and peer support
• Paid breaks
• Employee discount savings
• 24-hour free GP helpline
• Discounted gym membership
• Blue Light Card discount
• Free eye tests
• On-site benefits, including free meals
• Shopping, travel and leisure discounts
• A range of healthcare and financial benefits

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