Job Advertisement: Bank Cook

Position: Cook

Location: The Meadows Care Home, Britwell Road, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7JN

Pay Rate: £13.78 per hour (plus NVQ and weekend enhancements available)

Contract Type: Bank / 0 Hours

Closing Date: 31st August 2026

About the Role

As a supportive bridge staffing agency, we are partnering to recruit an experienced Cook (or Commis Chef / Catering Assistant looking for their next step) for The Meadows Care Home. Situated on a quiet residential street near Didcot town centre, this welcoming, cosy home offers compassionate, individualised residential, respite, early-stage dementia, and nursing care for up to 68 residents.

Are you looking for a fresh culinary challenge without split shifts and anti-social hours? In this role, you will join a passionate, hard-working catering team to create delicious, high-quality meals for our residents. Good nutrition is a vital part of our care, and you will play an active role in meeting residents' dietary needs while building warm relationships with them and their families to accommodate personal preferences.

Key Responsibilities

Meal Preparation & Quality: Prepare and cook delicious meals, snacks, and menus catering to specialist diets and large groups.
Nutritional Focus: Ensure residents receive a high-quality, balanced dining experience tailored to their individual needs and preferences.
Kitchen Standards: Maintain exceptional food hygiene and safety standards across all kitchen operations.
Team Collaboration: Work seamlessly alongside the wider catering and care team in a supportive, family-like environment.

What We Are Looking For

Experience: Previous experience working in a professional kitchen, catering for large groups, and managing specialist diets.
Certifications: A Basic Food Hygiene Certificate is required. Working towards a Level 2 Diploma in Food Production and Cooking (or equivalent) is desirable, but not essential.
Personality: A warm, community-focused individual who enjoys engaging with elderly residents to understand their personal choices.

Benefits & Rewards

Competitive Pay: £13.78 per hour with enhanced rates for weekends and relevant NVQ qualifications.
Flexibility: Bank shifts that offer a great work-life balance with no split shifts.
Generous Leave: 28 days holiday (including Bank Holidays).
Wellbeing Support: Workplace pension and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
Perks & Schemes: Free uniform, free DBS check, Blue Light Card, "My Rewards" discounts, and a Refer-a-Friend scheme rewarding up to £1,000.