Regional Bank Chef – Flexible Banking Role

About the role

Join Barchester Healthcare as a Regional Bank Chef, providing flexible cover for our care home kitchens across the region. This bank position allows you to work on a day‑to‑day basis, delivering hotel‑standard meals without the long split shifts typical in the sector.

Key responsibilities

• Provide chef cover for annual leave, sick leave or other staffing gaps across multiple care homes.
• Design and prepare nutritious, flavourful menus that meet resident dietary needs.
• Maintain high kitchen standards, ensuring compliance with HACCP, COSHH and the IDDSI framework.
• Collaborate with front‑of‑house teams to set up dining services to a high standard.
• Manage kitchen stock, ordering and hygiene procedures across varied locations.

Required profile

• Warm, personable approach with a genuine interest in resident wellbeing.
• Hold City & Guilds, NVQ or SVQ (or equivalent) culinary qualification.
• Experience working with fresh, seasonal produce and a solid understanding of nutrition.
• Confidence engaging with residents and creating a welcoming environment.
• Previous experience working alongside front‑of‑house teams.
• Good knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and the IDDSI framework (training provided if needed).

Required skills

• City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ qualification
• HACCP compliance
• COSHH awareness
• IDDSI framework knowledge

What we offer

• Work‑life balance – working days only with flexible hours.
• Bank encampments with a 12.07% uplift.
• Free learning and development through the Barchester Chef Academy.
• Opportunity to showcase talent at the annual Barchester Hospitality Awards.
• Tax code review service and monthly staff lottery.
• Refer‑a‑friend scheme (up to £500 per referral) and internal pathways to permanent roles.