Job summary
We are looking for an outstanding Cook who is passionate about food and wants to make a difference. You'll be working 40 hours a week, making a positive difference to the lives of the people in our care at Cygnet Paddocks.
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: 26 August 2026
- Pay scheme: Other
- Salary: £13.70 an hour
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: VP7194A137
- Job locations: Widnes, WA8 5UY, 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 Cook who is passionate about food and wants to make a difference.
You'll be working full time, 40 hours per week, creating an excellent experience for the people in our care at Cygnet Paddocks.
Your rota will include:
- Week 1: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday
- Week 2: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
- Shifts: 8.00am - 6pm
About Cygnet Paddocks
Cygnet Paddocks is our specialist neuropsychiatric rehabilitation hospital for men, located in Widnes in the North West. The service provides a dedicated care pathway for men affected by acquired brain injury or neurological conditions, where behaviours that challenge may be the main barrier to recovery and rehabilitation.
The service supports the Level 1 Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation Pathway for the North West, with a focus on adult males. Cygnet Paddocks has individually designed wards to support a clear and distinctive care and treatment pathway for people affected by acquired brain injury.
The in-house interdisciplinary team includes neuropsychiatry, psychology, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, nurses and support workers, all working together to keep the individual at the heart of their care and discharge planning.
Cygnet Paddocks is rated Good overall by the Care Quality Commission, with the Caring domain rated Outstanding.
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
- 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 hour after 3 months and £14.25 per hour after 18 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
- Excellent professional development opportunities
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.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Cook with Cygnet Health Care in Widnes, England. It is listed as a Cook role. The advertised salary is £13.70. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 25 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 (26 Aug 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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