Chef

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.

Chef

Baird Lodge, Lumley Close, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4FF

£13.35 per hour

15 hours per week – Every other weekend

Wk1: one shift in the week then Sat and Sun. WK 2: Three shifts during the week

Serving more than meals with a better work-life balance

We’re excited to welcome a Chef to support the preparation of nutritious, restaurant-quality meals at our Baird Lodge, Lumley Close, Ely Retirement Community in Cambridgeshire CB7 4FF, without the long hours or split shifts often found in hospitality. Working alongside the Chef Manager, 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.

Your role

• Deliver a high-quality catering service that meets individual needs, including special diets
• Enjoy a better work-life balance with no late nights or split shifts, giving you more time for yourself
• Manage food and labour budgets through effective planning and purchasing
• Oversee stock control, audits, and accurate record-keeping
• Ensure food safety standards are understood and followed by the team
• Maintain high hygiene and safety standards through scheduled cleaning and maintenance

(This position is referred to as Chef but may also be known as Demi Chef, Line Chef, Cook, Chef de Partie (CDP), or Commis Chef)

Your skills

• Experience working in a catering environment and cooking for diverse groups
• Level 2 Diploma in Catering and Hospitality
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures and budget management
• Friendly and approachable, with great customer interaction skills

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

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.
• 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.

Job Reference: 229006

Inclusion is one of our core values . We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process in line with our Disability Confident employer status.

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.