Roving Chef Role overview The Roving Chef will prepare and serve nutritious, well-presented meals, with a base at Southlands Retirement Apartments and regular cover across other Westward Care locations. The role supports safe, consistent food production, resident choice and an enjoyable dining experience. The postholder will work with fresh ingredients, follow approved food safety controls and adapt confidently to the menus, residents and operational requirements of each home. Key responsibilities Food preparation and multi-site cover • Prepare, cook and serve nutritious, appetising and well-presented meals using fresh ingredients and approved recipes. • Provide planned and short-notice chef cover across Westward Care locations while following each home’s local procedures. • Follow menu plans, portion guidance and presentation standards, and contribute practical ideas for varied and seasonal dishes. • Ensure meals are produced and served at the required time and to a consistent standard. • Support special events, activities and resident celebrations. • Deputise for the Head Chef when required and support safe kitchen cover arrangements. Resident needs and dining experience • Prepare meals that meet residents’ assessed nutritional, hydration, cultural, religious and dietary needs. • Cater safely for allergies, intolerances, special diets and texture-modified requirements in line with current instructions and care information. • Ensure the correct meal is provided to the correct resident through reliable meal identification and handover arrangements. • Listen to resident and colleague feedback and use it to improve menus, presentation and service. • Support compliance with CQC requirements by meeting residents’ assessed nutritional and hydration needs and respecting their choices and preferences. • Promote dignity, choice and an enjoyable dining experience. Food safety, allergens and compliance • Follow the current food safety management system, HACCP controls, approved procedures and record-keeping requirements at each location. • Apply allergen controls, food labelling, traceability, temperature monitoring, cleaning and stock rotation requirements consistently. • Check ingredient and supplier information and report any allergen discrepancy, unsafe condition or missing information immediately. • Maintain high standards of personal hygiene, kitchen cleanliness and safe working practice. • Comply with Food Safety, COSHH and Health and Safety requirements and complete corrective actions within agreed timescales. • Contribute to achieving and retaining a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 at each Westward Care home by consistently following required food safety standards and completing agreed actions. • Support preparation for EHO inspections, internal audits and other assurance activity. IDDSI and texture-modified catering • Prepare, test, label, present and record texture-modified food and thickened drinks in accordance with the current IDDSI Framework, residents’ care plans and prescribed levels. • Use approved recipes, equipment and testing methods for texture-modified meals. • Escalate concerns relating to swallowing, nutrition, hydration, allergies or meal safety promptly. Kitchen operations and teamwork • Work closely with care colleagues and catering staff to communicate changes in dietary needs and support safe meal service. • Receive and store deliveries safely, monitor stock levels and support stock control and waste reduction. • Use kitchen equipment safely and report defects, damage or maintenance concerns promptly. • Provide practical support to colleagues, share effective practice and adapt positively when working at different homes. • Complete required training and demonstrate ongoing competence for the duties performed. Person specification Essential qualifications and experience • Proven professional experience as a Chef or Cook, ideally within care, healthcare or hospitality. • NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery, or an equivalent catering qualification or relevant practical experience. • A recognised food hygiene qualification appropriate to the role. • Practical experience of preparing meals for a range of dietary needs. • Good working knowledge of food safety, hygiene, allergen controls and COSHH requirements. Essential skills and attributes • Good culinary skills, attention to detail and pride in food quality and presentation. • Ability to organise workload, meet service deadlines and work calmly under pressure. • Clear and professional communication with residents, colleagues, managers and visitors. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • Flexibility and ability to travel regularly between Westward Care locations in Leeds. • Accurate record keeping and willingness to use electronic compliance systems where required. • Commitment to resident dignity, choice, equality, inclusion and continuous improvement. Desirable • Previous catering experience in adult social care or a healthcare setting. • Current knowledge and practical experience of IDDSI and dysphagia catering. • Experience of EHO inspections, kitchen audits or similar assurance activity. • Experience of LOGIT or a similar electronic compliance system. Working arrangements and benefits • This is a full-time role of 40 hours per week, worked over five days out of seven. • The normal working pattern is two days at Southlands and three days providing cover at other Westward Care locations, subject to service needs. The rota includes alternate weekends and may include occasional evening and bank holiday work. • Annual leave entitlement is 28 days per year. • Free on-site parking where available. • Training and development opportunities. • Professional staff uniform. • The possibility of progressing into a permanent site-based position, subject to vacancies and business requirements. Additional requirements This is a hands-on, multi-site role requiring flexibility, reliable attendance and regular travel between locations. The postholder must carry out duties safely, follow Westward Care policies and procedures, protect confidential information and complete any checks required for the role. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level for the role. The successful applicant must be registered with the DBS Update Service and maintain their subscription throughout their employment. This job description summarises the main duties of the role. Responsibilities may be reviewed to reflect service needs, following appropriate discussion and in line with the terms of employment. About the role Multi-site catering support based at Southlands Employer Westward Care Ltd Base Southlands Independent Living Apartments Salary £14.87 - £17.00 per hour - Depending on Experience Hours 40 hours per week Working pattern Two days at Southlands and three days covering other sites as required Reporting line Group Senior Head Chef About the company We are one of Leeds’ most respected health and social care providers, with a proven track record in providing award-winning care and support to older people in Leeds locations including Headingley, Methley, Beeston and Roundhay. Our network of care homes and independent living apartments is small enough to provide quality and individual care, but large enough to provide care services that are right for you, even if your circumstances change. We passionately believe that happiness is just as important as health and that quality care should always go hand in hand with quality of life, and do all we can to make you and your loved ones feel at ease from day one. Required Criteria Desired Criteria Skills you'll need
