Elms Cook

Location: The Elms, Hemel Hempstead
Salary: £16.25 an hour

Hours:

Saturday and/or Sunday, 6 hours every weekend/every other weekend. (Approx. 2pm to 7pm but negotiable)
Reports to: The Elms Head Chef
Closing date: Sunday 18 th January 2026

DENS is looking for a passionate and experienced Cook to join our team at The Elms, our 44-bedroom mixed hostel. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone enjoys working independently and wants to make a tangible difference in the lives of our residents through nutritious, high-quality food.

• Meal preparation: Safely produce high-quality hot meals, desserts and drinks, ensuring they are nutritional, varied and follow agreed meal plans.
• Safety and compliance: Maintain strict Health & Safety standards and keep the ‘Safer Food Better Business for Caterers’ records updated.
• Kitchen management: Manage food prep, minimise waste, keep catering areas clean and well-stocked, and liaise with the Head Chef.
• Allergen awareness: Ensure all dietary requirements and common allergens are managed with total accuracy.

• Experience: Previous experience in a kitchen (schools, colleges or care homes is a plus) and the ability to work confidently on your own.
• Qualifications: A current Food Hygiene Certificate is essential
  . A recognised catering qualification or equivalent professional experience is required.
• Skills: Strong verbal communication and a passion for simple, wholesome and well-presented food.
• Values: A commitment to excellent customer service and a supportive attitude toward our residents.

This role is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

• 25 days or equivalent annual leave
• Flexible working environment
• Medicash plan, including
  
  Virtual GP,some dental and optical cover
• Employee assistance programme –24/7 mental health support helpline
• Professional development and training

If you match our criteria, please send your CV, including your Supporting Statement, to .

For an informal chat, please ring our Accommodation Service Manager, Ruth Osborne on .

Please advise us should you require adjustments to be made for you at interview.

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