Job summary
We are looking for an outstanding Head Chef who's passionate about food and wants to make a difference. You'll be working 40 hours a week at Cygnet Hospital Derby, creating an excellent experience for the people in our care. Working hours are Monday to Friday (shifts) 7am - 3:30pm, 8am - 4:30pm, 9am - 5:30pm and 10am - 6:30pm.
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: 18 June 2026
- Pay scheme: Other
- Salary: £14.44 an hour increasing to £14.74 ph at 3 months & £14.99 ph at 18 months
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: VP5D516AD1
- Job locations: Derby, DE24 8WZ, 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 Head Chef who's passionate about food and wants to make a difference.
You'll be working 40 hours a week at Cygnet Hospital Derby,creating an excellent experience for the people in our care. Working hours are Monday to Friday (shifts) 7am 3:30pm, 8am 4:30pm, 9am 5:30pm and 10am 6:30pm.
Cygnet Hospital Derby provides low secure and mental health rehabilitation care based on the Recovery Model. Our integrated male care pathway includes Litchurch Ward, our low secure ward, and the Wyvern Unit, our mental health rehabilitation service. Alvaston Ward, our specialist female personality disorder service, is one of the leading services of its kind in the East and West Midlands.
Your Day-to-Day...
- Liaise with nursing colleagues to meet patients nutritional & dietary needs
- Order food supplies, plan & review menus
- Prepare, cook & serve food of the highest standard
- Organise work rotas, manage budgets & kitchen staff
- Ensure the cleanliness of the kitchen, service areas & dining room
- Maintain personal hygiene to comply with Cygnet standards & food hygiene regulations
- Ensure record keeping is accurate & complies with regulations & Cygnet procedures
- 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 within the care sector
- A strong leader with a track record of managing a team
- Experienced in stock ordering, budget management & menu planning
- The holder of an advanced food hygiene certificate, with good personal hygiene standards
- Polite & professional, with a positive attitude to internal & external requests at all times
- An excellent communicator able to liaise with people at all levels
- Dedicated and driven to deliver the best possible service
- Qualified in catering to City & Guilds 706: 1 & 2 level or NVQ Level 2/3
Why Cygnet? We'll offer you
- £14.44 per hour increasing to £14.74 per hour at 3 months and £14.99 per hour at 18 months
- Regular coaching & appraisal
- Expert supervision & peer support
- Employee discount savings
- 24 hours free GP helpline
- Discounted gym membership
- Blue light discount
- Free eye tests
- On site benefits including free meals
- Plus much more
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
Person specification
General Requirements
Essential
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Desirable
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Head Chef with Cygnet Health Care in Darlington, North East and Yorkshire, England. It is listed as a Estates and facilities role. The advertised salary is £14.44 an hour. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 18 Jul 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 (18 Jun 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job 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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