Chef/Cook

Inclusion is one of our core values. Our goal is to be a diverse, inclusive organisation where our people thrive and meet our customers’ needs with fairness and empathy. We know having a range of ideas and opinions makes a difference. We encourage and welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds to support this mission. We will make adjustments throughout your application process, in line with Sanctuary’s commitment to our Disability Confident employer status.

Assistant Chef / Cook

Goodwin Court , 52 Church Hill Road, Barnet, London EN4 8FH

£14.69 per hour

Part Time (as per Rota inclusive of alternative weekend work)

Serving more than meals with a better work-life balance

We’re excited to welcome a Assistant Chef / Cook to support the preparation of nutritious, restaurant-quality meals at our Goodwin Court Retirement Community in 52 Church Hill Road, Barnet, London EN4 8FH, without the long hours or split shifts often found in hospitality. Working alongside the Chef, you’ll play a key role in delivering high standards of food, presentation, and dining experience within a calm, well-structured kitchen environment.

You’ll be part of a compassionate, community-focused team supporting our retirement community residents, that puts people first – every single day. #BeYourBest is more than a hashtag – it’s our commitment to helping our people grow, thrive, and feel valued. We’ll support you with the tools, training, and encouragement to reach your full potential, while celebrating your individuality and the difference you make every day.

As a not-for-profit organisation, we reinvest in our people and our services, celebrating individuality and helping you thrive both personally and professionally. We’re committed to your progression, so we offer fully funded hospitality qualifications, and work toward becoming a Chef should this be desirable to the individual.

Your role

• Deliver a high-quality customer focused service that meets individual needs, with an understanding of special diet requirement
• Support the Chef with food service and direct contact with our customers
• Assist with stock control, and internal monthly audits
• Ensure food safety standards are understood and followed by the team
• Maintain high hygiene and safety standards through scheduled cleaning and maintenance
• Support the team and demonstrate flexibility the business needs

Your skills

• Experience working in a catering environment and cooking for diverse groups
• Level 1 or 2 Food Hygiene qualification
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures within a kitchen environment
• Friendly and approachable, with great customer interaction skills is essential

Your rewards

You deserve more than the basics. That’s why, alongside 33 days’ annual leave pro rata (rising to 38, including bank holidays) , occupational sick pay linked to length of service, and a contributory pension scheme , we’ve created a package to help you thrive:

• Health and wellbeing support – including Aviva Digicare+ with virtual GP appointments, plus an Employee Assistance Programme offering medical, financial, and legal advice, as well as short-term counselling
• Company-paid life insurance
• Parental leave arrangements , paid volunteering days , and annual leave purchase scheme
• Company-funded training and ongoing career development opportunities
• Flexible working options and an inclusive culture where everyone belongs, supported by our staff networks including PRISM, Disability, Race Equality and Parent networks
• Exclusive retail discounts , Cycle to Work, and salary sacrifice arrangements
• Enhanced pay rates for additional hours, when available

Some rewards are subject to a qualifying period or other criteria – visit our website for more information.

Ready to #BeYourBest? Apply today and start an inspiring career with Sanctuary Supported Living. Curious about what it’s like to work with us? Discover our values, culture, and real stories from our teams at or follow us on socials.

Before you apply

• We can only accept applications from individuals with the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this vacancy.
• All roles require safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including criminal records and overseas police checks if needed; for more information, please get in touch.
• Internal candidates should apply via their internal careers account.
• We may close this advert early, so please apply as soon as possible.

We work closely with the Home Office in order to prevent illegal working.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary in the event of a successful application which we will pay for.

Sanctuary Supported Living is a trading name of Sanctuary Housing Association and Sanctuary Home Care Limited, both exempt charities.