Weekend Chef
About this role
Job Advertisement: Weekend Chef
Position Overview
Agency Name: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency (Placing on behalf of Thornford Park / Elysium Healthcare)
Location: Thornford Park, Crookham Hill, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 8ET (Free shuttle bus available from Thatcham train station)
Position: Weekend Chef
Salary: Hourly rate of £14.27
Employment Type: Permanent / Weekend Role (Saturday & Sunday, with potential job share options available). Sponsorship is not available.
Introduction
Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is partnering with Thornford Park to source a creative and dedicated Weekend Chef. Are you looking for a weekend culinary role where you can showcase your creativity, craft delicious meals, and work with a supportive team?
Join the kitchen team at Thornford Park in Thatcham! Beyond daily meal preparation for service users, staff, and visitors, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to shine by catering for special events and celebrations throughout the year—from World Food Day and Christmas to Easter and Family Days.
What You Will Be Doing
Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day operations and smooth running of the kitchen.
Prepare, plan, and cook meals to a high standard, accommodating dietary requirements and special requests.
Maintain strict HACCP logs, food storage, stock rotation, and 'Safer Food Better Business' standards.
Take full shift responsibility for the catering operation, ensuring a professional and courteous service.
Collaborate on menu planning, food costings, and event/banquet catering.
Key Skills & Qualifications
Must be 18 years or older.
GCSE or equivalent in English.
City & Guilds 706/1 and 2 (or equivalent) Basic Food Preparation Cooking.
Basic Food Hygiene (essential) / Intermediate Food Hygiene (desirable).
Proven experience in a similar volume-catering environment.
Solid background in menu planning, budgeting, stock control, and mass service delivery.
Where You Will Be Working
Thornford Park is a 141-bed hospital set within 21 acres of Berkshire countryside, providing secure mental health services, PICUs, and specialist learning disability pathways. You will be part of a recovery-focused multidisciplinary team helping individuals progress safely toward greater independence.
What We Offer You
Competitive Pay: Hourly rate of £14.27.
Generous Leave: Pro-rata equivalent of 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + your birthday off, with options to buy additional leave.
Perks & Benefits: Access to the Ely-Vate savings platform and a Blue Light Card.
Financial Wellbeing: Pension contributions, Life Assurance, and Stream (instant access to earned wages when needed).
Health & Support: 24/7 GP service, second medical opinions, and comprehensive wellbeing activities.
Onsite Perks: Free meals and free onsite parking.