Cook

Whitchurch
10 months ago
Applications closed

£13.26 per hour 
40 hours per week to include alternate weekends
Cedar Lodge, Eastfield Lane, Whitchurch-on-Thames, Reading, RG8 7EJ

Role Overview
As the Cook at Cedar Lodge, you will be placed at the heart of the home along with the people that live here.  You will work alongside the Head Chef and deputise in their absence.  You will prepare and provide both nutritionally and satisfying meals for all residents. You will be part of the catering team and work closely with other departments making sure that the highest service standards are met.   You will ensure that the mealtime experience is exceptional for every person regardless of their needs, including cultural/religious as well as medical needs such as IDDSI diet. Together with The Head Chef, you will maintain a safe working environment and lead by example.  

Responsibilities and Duties

Liaise with residents to ensure they are happy with the food and beverages being provided within the home – including attending resident dining experience committees 
Ensure the cleanliness of the kitchen and hygiene standards are achieved and maintained and is fit for EHO inspection at all times 
Ensure that the rota is covered and the correct level of team members are on shift 
Attend and actively contribute to team meetings
Perform any additional duties as assigned by the Head Chef / Home Manager to support the overall functioning of the home.
 
Skills, Qualifications and Abilities

Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Experience within a similar environment desirable
NVQ Level 2 in Food Production & Cooking (or equivalent) or a willingness to complete this qualification if not already obtained.
Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office and internal applications; with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also being self-motivated and capable of working independently.
 
The Company and Care Home
Bracebridge Care Group (soon to be renamed as EQ Care Group) is a trusted provider of exceptional elderly care, dedicated to creating warm, compassionate environments where individuals can truly thrive. Operating for two years now, we currently have four homes open, with more being built to expand our portfolio. We specialise in delivering high-quality care to those who need it most, with a focus on dementia care and other complex needs. Our approach goes beyond simply meeting physical needs—we strive to create meaningful, enriching experiences for the people living in our homes. What sets us apart is our commitment to emotional intelligence, compassionate service, and personalised care.

Cedar Lodge is to open in the Spring of 2025. Our newly built 45-bed nursing and dementia specialist care home in the heart of Whitchurch-on-Thames, combines modern comfort with classic charm, offering a welcoming home for people who need care & support. With spacious en-suite bedrooms, spectacular communal areas, and beautiful gardens, Cedar Lodge is a place to live well and thrive. We are looking for people to join our heart-centred team who will provide exceptional, personalised care, ensuring everyone feels valued, supported, and at home at Cedar Lodge.

 Benefits

1/2-day off to start your birthday celebrations early
Blue Light Discount Card
20 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Contributory pension
Dedicated Learning & Development 
 
Please note: If you are not a UK resident, you will need to be able to provide a valid right to work. We cannot provide sponsorship.

** This job description may differ as new information technology, policies and contractual agreements change, and we reserve the right to vary duties without notice

REF-(Apply online only)

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Cyber Security Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Cyber Security Job?

If you are trying to build or move forward in a cyber security career, it can feel like the list of tools you are expected to know never ends. One job advert asks for SIEM platforms, another mentions penetration testing tools, another lists cloud security, threat intelligence platforms, endpoint detection, scripting languages and compliance frameworks. Scroll LinkedIn and it gets worse. Everyone seems to “know” dozens of tools, certifications and platforms. Here is the reality most cyber security hiring managers agree on: they are not hiring you because you know every tool. They are hiring you because you understand risk, can think like an attacker and a defender, follow process, communicate clearly and make good decisions under pressure. Tools matter — but only when they support those outcomes. So how many cyber security tools do you actually need to know to get a job? For most job seekers, the answer is far fewer than you think. This article explains what employers really expect, which tools are essential, which are role-specific and how to focus your learning so you look credible, not overwhelmed.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Cyber Security Job Applications (UK Guide)

If you want to stand out in the highly competitive world of cyber security job applications, you need to understand what hiring managers look for before they even finish reading a CV. Cyber security hiring managers scan applications quickly and with specific priorities in mind. They assess not just your technical ability, but your judgement, professionalism, clarity, risk awareness and evidence of impact. This guide explains what hiring managers look for first in cyber security applications across roles like Security Analyst, Security Engineer, Penetration Tester, Incident Responder, Security Architect, Governance Risk and Compliance specialists and Cloud Security positions. Use this as a practical, step-by-step checklist to sharpen your CV, LinkedIn profile, cover letter and portfolio before you apply on www.cybersecurityjobs.tech .

The Skills Gap in Cyber Security Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Cyber security has become one of the most critical disciplines in the modern economy. From protecting financial systems and healthcare data to securing national infrastructure, cloud platforms and supply chains, cyber security professionals now sit at the frontline of digital trust. Demand for cyber security talent in the UK has surged. Job vacancies remain high, salaries continue to rise, and organisations across every sector report difficulty hiring skilled professionals. Yet despite this demand, many graduates struggle to break into cyber security roles and employers consistently report that candidates are not job-ready. The problem is not intelligence, ambition or academic effort. It is a persistent and widening skills gap between university education and real-world cyber security work. This article explores that gap in depth: what universities teach well, what they routinely miss, why the gap exists, what employers actually want, and how jobseekers can bridge the divide to build sustainable careers in cyber security.