boroughjobsUK public-sector jobs, mapped to your postcode Post a job
Darlington

Chef (FTC)NHS

Darlingtonton, DL3 9LN Fixed-Term £13.70
Posted 25 September 2026 Closing date 24 October 2026
North Road Rail Station (0.7 miles, direct) Leeming Bar (Wensleydale Railway) (15.6 miles, direct) Interchange (5.7 miles, direct)

Job summary

We are looking for an outstanding Chef who's passionate about food and wants to make a difference. You'll be working full time, 40 hours a week at Hollyhurst, creating an excellent experience for the people in our care.

Please note: This is a fixed term contract that ends in May 2027. Working Hours are to be discussed at interview, and the role includes some weekend working.

Main duties of the job

At Cygnet, we support our people to grow their careers, gain new skills and keep stepping up. Apply now to enjoy excellent career prospects while reaping the rewards of making a difference to others every day.

Job description

Helping others improve and turn their lives around there's no better feeling. Its what we do for thousands of people at more than 150 sites across the UK. Be a part of it.

We are looking for an outstanding Chef who's passionate about food and wants to make a difference.

You'll be working full time, 40 hours a week at Hollyhurst, creating an excellent experience for the people in our care.

Please note: This is a fixed term contract that ends in May 2027. Working Hours are to be discussed at interview, and the role includes some weekend working.

Hollyhurst is a specialist residential service with nursing, supporting people with learning disabilities and complex needs in Darlington, County Durham. The specialist MDT led team support people who have additional mental or physical health needs and behaviours that may challenge.

Your Day-to-Day...

  • Prepare, cook & serve nutritional, balanced and appetising meals for patients, staff & visitors
  • Liaise with nursing colleagues to meet patients nutritional & dietary needs
  • Ensure the cleanliness of the kitchen, service areas & dining room
  • Supervise kitchen staff when deputising for the Head Chef
  • Maintain personal hygiene to comply with Cygnet standards and food hygiene regulations
  • Handle, maintain & store kitchen equipment in accordance with Cygnet procedures
  • Use chemicals in line with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations

You are...

  • A skilled chef, preferably with experience in the care sector
  • The holder of a basic food hygiene certificate, with good personal hygiene standards
  • Polite & professional, with a positive attitude to internal & external requests at all times
  • An excellent communicator able to liaise with people at all levels
  • Able to work on your own initiative, as part of a team & under supervision

Why Cygnet? We'll offer you

  • £13.70 per hour increasing to £14.00 per hour at 3 months
  • Strong career progression opportunities
  • Expert supervision & support
  • Pension scheme
  • Cycle to work scheme & employee discount saving

Please note: successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

What next?

If you care about making a difference we want to talk to you.

Click the button to apply

About us

Cygnet Health Care was established in 1988. Since then we have developed a wide range of services for individuals with mental health needs, autism and learning disabilities within the UK. We have built a reputation for delivering pioneering services and outstanding outcomes for the people in our care. Our expert and highly dedicated care team of 10 000 employees empower 2864 individuals across 150 services to consistently make a positive difference to their lives, through service-user focused care and rehabilitation.

Apply / view full listing →
More jobs in Darlington

Relief HousekeeperNHS

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Darlington, DL2 2TS Permanent £25,272 Closes 11 Oct More in Darlington

Job summary Housekeepers are responsible to provide and maintain cleaning and catering services as part of the Hotel Services team to office, patient and communal areas within the Trust. Ensuring a clean, safe and supportive environment for staff and patients working towards their recovery. You…

Specialist Clinical PharmacistNHS

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Darlington, DL2 2TS Fixed-Term £49,387 to £56,515 Closes 11 Oct More in Darlington

Job summary Are you looking for a challenge in a new clinical area across Tees Valley and Darlington? This split post will be based across Middlesbrough and Darlington delivering services to wards across West Park Hospital and Roseberry Park Hospital. The successful candidate will be delivering the…