Cook

Job overview

The post holder will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of meals, including special and ethnic diets, to meet the nutritional and cultural needs of service users within the Forensic Services. They will ensure that food safety and hygiene standards are always maintained, contribute to menu planning and cost control, and provide technical guidance and support to catering staff to ensure the efficient delivery of high-quality catering services across the Trust.

The post holder will be required to have a minimum of six months’ experience in a similar catering role. Employment will be subject to a three-month probationary period, during which performance, conduct, and suitability for the role will be assessed in line with Trust policy.

*** Important Sponsorship Information for this post: We are currently unable to offer a certificate of sponsorship for this post ***

Main duties of the job

Food Preparation & Service

• Prepare, cook, and serve balanced meals in line with NHS food standards.
• Adapt meals to meet special diets
• Halal, vegetarian/vegan, cultural diets, and texture‑modified diets.
• Ensure food is presented attractively and served at appropriate temperatures.
• Support protected mealtimes and structured ward routines for patient meals.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Food Preparation & Service

• Prepare, cook, and serve balanced meals in line with NHS food standards, infection control practices, and individual care plans.
• Adapt meals to meet special diets including allergies, diabetes, dysphagia, Halal, vegetarian/vegan, cultural diets, and texture‑modified diets.
• Ensure food is presented attractively and served at appropriate temperatures.
• Support protected mealtimes and structured ward routines for patient meals.

Food Safety & Hygiene

• Maintain full compliance with food hygiene regulations (e.g., HACCP principles).
• Carry out daily checks on food temperatures, fridge/freezer logs, and cleaning schedules.
• Ensure safe storage, rotation, and disposal of food items according to regulations.
• Participate in internal and external hygiene audits.

Security Responsibilities (Medium Secure Environment)

• Adhere to all forensic security procedures, including: Controlled access to knives, utensils, and cleaning chemicals. Accurate completion of tool and equipment checklists. Reporting and escalating security concerns immediately.
• Controlled access to knives, utensils, and cleaning chemicals.
• Accurate completion of tool and equipment checklists.
• Reporting and escalating security concerns immediately.
• Maintain situational awareness and work safely among patients with forensic histories.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work cohesively with nursing staff, dietitians, occupational therapists, and psychologists to meet nutritional needs.
• Communicate clearly regarding dietary changes, risks, stock shortages, and patient needs.
• Attend catering, safety, and ward-related meetings when required.

Stock & Kitchen Management

• Monitor stock levels and request supplies in a timely manner.
• Ensure cost-effective use of resources and minimise waste.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen areas, equipment, and storage rooms.

Patient-Centred Support

• Engage respectfully with patients, supporting therapeutic mealtime environments.
• Participate in structured activities such as patient cooking groups (where appropriate and supervised).
• Promote dignity, choice, and cultural sensitivity in meal planning.