Cook

Job summary

** This role is 40 Hours per week 4 Days - 7am-5.30pm, including alternate weekends** If you are passionate about caring for the elderly and want to build a long-term career in one of our award-winning homes, then look no further than Akari Care. Our aim is to create an environment where our residents are valued, respected, and are offered the personalised care they deserve. We now seek a Cook who is passionate about, and thrives on, making a real and positive difference to the lives of older people. An important part of the day for our residents is based around mealtimes. At Akari Care we take great pride in ensuring that what is prepared in the kitchen is of outstanding quality, wholesome and nutritious. At the same time, we always ensure that we are mindful and conscientious about individual needs, religious and cultural backgrounds. We continually assess how this might impact meal choices, alongside making sure that all our residents feel that they have a personalised service. As the pivotal link between the kitchen and the serving areas

Main duties of the job

If you are passionate about caring for the elderly and want to build a long-term career in one of our award-winning homes, then look no further than Akari Care. Our aim is to create an environment where our residents are valued, respected, and are offered the personalised care they deserve. We seek a Cook who is passionate about making a real and positive difference to the lives of older people. An important part of the day for our residents is based around mealtimes. At Akari Care, we take pride in ensuring what is prepared in the kitchen is of outstanding quality, wholesome and nutritious, while being mindful and conscientious about individual needs, religious, and cultural backgrounds. We continually assess how this might impact meal choices, ensuring all our residents feel they have a personalised service. As a pivotal link between the kitchen and serving areas, you will have the autonomy to create menus, plate up, and arrange food trollies in an attractive way to stimulate appetite.

About us

Akari Care is a provider dedicated to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for its residents. Emphasizing the importance of personalized care, Akari Care focuses on ensuring that its residents are valued, respected, and receive the care they deserve. With award-winning homes, the organization is committed to the well-being and satisfaction of elderly individuals, fostering a community where individuals are not just cared for but also feel appreciated. The care homes offer tailored services considering individual needs, religious affiliations, and cultural backgrounds, allowing residents to feel comfortable and at home. The talented care team at Akari Care plays a crucial role in maintaining these high standards, creating a cohesive and collaborative environment that embodies the core values of kindness, community spirit, compassion, and excellence. For staff, the organization provides opportunities for personal and professional growth, enhancing their capabilities to offer exceptional care to residents.

Details

• Date posted: 22 May 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £13.83 an hour
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 1506409344
• Job locations: Akari Care, Gateshead, NE8 3SA, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

** This role is 40 Hours per week 4 Days -7am-5.30pm, including alternate weekends**If you are passionate about caring for the elderly and want to build a long-term career in one of our award-winning homes, then look no further than Akari Care. Our aim is to create an environment where our residents are valued, respected, and are offered the personalised care they deserve.

We now seek a Cook who is passionate about, and thrives on, making a real and positive difference to the lives of older people.

An important part of the day for our residents is based around mealtimes. At Akari Care we take great pride in ensuring that what is prepared in the kitchen is of outstanding quality, wholesome and nutritious. At the same time, we always ensure that we are mindful and conscientious about individual needs, religious and cultural backgrounds. We continually assess how this might impact meal choices, alongside making sure that all our residents feel that they have a personalised service.

As the pivotal link between the kitchen and the serving areas you will have the autonomy to create menus, plate up and arrange food trollies in an attractive way for our residents to gain enthusiasm and a stimulated appetite to eat.

Playing a fundamental and integral part of our united and extended care team, you will be afforded the scope to coach a team into creating ideas and seeing them through as part of their own personal development needs.

By showing us, you can match our values with the right desire for personalised excellence, community spirit and a kind, caring and compassionate nature, we, in return, can offer you a career developing your knowledge, skills and abilities to support vulnerable adults with the care their individual needs require.

What we require from you:

• City & Guilds 706 1&2, or equivalent (achieved or working towards)
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• Head chef or Head Cook experience with similar environment /surrounding.
• Supervisory or Line Management experience
• A caring nature to give everyone a personal approach.
• Proven ability to lead by example, motivate a team and delegate effectively.
• Flexible and adaptable to changes at short notice.
• Warm, approachable, and engaging persona
• Respect everyone, treating others as you would expect to be treated.
• Resilient and adaptable to differing needs of colleagues and residents.

What is in it for you:

• A competitive salary
• Pension contribution of 3%
• Recognition schemes and rewarding referral schemes.
• Uniform provided and DBS check costs paid.
• 28 days annual leave (based on full-time hours, including Bank Holidays)
• Flexible working patterns
• Fully funded training and development
• Support with personal development plans.
• The opportunity to gain experience and develop both personally and professionally.
• An engaging community environment where everyone is respected and included.