Kitchen Assistant

About The Role

As a Kitchen Assistant at HC‑One you will help deliver high‑quality care through food, supporting residents with dementia, nursing, residential or specialist care homes. We value kindness and teamwork, and you will be part of a culture that treats each resident with respect and dignity.

• Assist with meal preparation under the direction of the Chef or Cook
• Serve meals with warmth and respect in a timely and friendly manner
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen, including equipment and surfaces
• Monitor and record food storage temperatures (fridges, freezers, etc.)
• Support stock rotation and ensure ingredients are properly stored
• Show new team members how to safely use kitchen equipment
• Wash up and keep the kitchen spotless, even after a busy lunch rush

We are looking for someone with kitchen experience and a passion for helping others. You will need either an NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation, or a willingness to work toward it. Strong organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to follow recipes and record information accurately are essential. Above all, you will show patience, respect and genuine kindness whenever you interact with a resident or a co‑worker.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All colleagues are required to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and undertake additional training in associated areas. You should be able to recognise signs of possible abuse, harm or neglect and know what to do if there are concerns. You are also expected to seek appropriate advice and report concerns, including escalation when necessary.

At HC‑One kindness is more than a word—it’s a way of life. We believe that caring for people means caring about what matters most to them, so we support them to live their best possible lives.

• We are curious—asking questions, seeking to understand.
• We are compassionate—walking in the shoes of others.
• We are creative—finding practical ways to make things happen.
• We are courageous—supporting residents to live the life they choose.
• We are dependable—people can always count on us.

• Hourly rate subject to experience and qualifications
• Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
• Free uniform
• Nutritious meal available during shifts of eight hours or more
• Company pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Group life assurance cover
• Wagestream – financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay as you need it
• Award‑winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications
• GP online – 24/7 GP consultation via an interactive app (available to you and children under 16)
• Opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team
• Colleague discounts – access to over 1600 high‑street discounts and carefully selected partners
• Wellbeing – free access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme, offering 24/7 365 support for physical, mental and financial issues
• Excellent recognition schemes such as ‘Kindness in Care’ and Long Service Awards
• Attractive refer‑a‑friend scheme of up to £1,000 per referral, depending on the role

Please note:

We are only able to consider applications from individuals who already have the full right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot offer sponsorship or accept applications from those on a time‑limited visa. Applications that do not meet this criterion will not be progressed.