Job Description
Chef
WORKING HOURS
Bankposition available. Includes shift and weekend working. Start time no earlier than 6:30am / finish time no later than 8pm.
REPORTS TO
Head Chef
LOCATIONCalvert Lakes, Little Crosthwaite, Underskiddaw, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4QD
What We Do
The Lake District Calvert Trust is a unique charity that challenges disability through outdoor adventure. We provide fun-filled, specialist outdoor experiences for people with disabilities, their families and carers. We welcome around 4,000 visitors a year to our fully accessible, 60 bed residential centre. With adapted equipment and highly trained staff, we make life‑changing adventures possible.
We are a small, dedicated team passionate about creating positive and lasting change through adventurous activity. Our work is underpinned by a strong commitment to people – our visitors, their families, and our staff. We are proud to offer a supportive, inspiring workplace that reflects our core values.
Values
- Flexible – we adapt and innovate.
- Ambitious – we stretch ourselves and others.
- Inspiring – we encourage and stimulate.
- Sensitive – we understand and empathise.
- Imaginative – we see beyond the obvious.
About the Role
The Calvert Lakes Chef works under the direction of the Catering Supervisor and Second Chef to ensure the provision of high‑quality food and service to our guests.
A part of the Trust’s front‑of‑house staff, the Chef will be expected to have a friendly manner and a willingness to engage and communicate with our guests to enhance their experience. Flexibility, dedication, an ability to work unsupervised and excellent teamwork skills are essential to the success of this role.
As a member of the Operations Department, the post holder will have responsibility for providing cooked breakfast, lunches and three‑course evening meals for up to approximately 60 people. Provision of special diets is required, and, on occasion, special functions may be required.
Our vision and values are people focused – it is important that we focus on our people and continue to make Calvert Lakes an amazing place to work.
Key Responsibilities
- The preparation of food.
- Shared domestic kitchen duties, for example: running the dishwasher, kitchen washing‑up, and keeping the kitchen clean and hygienic.
- Assist in serving of centre meals and at functions.
- Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and presentation.
- Have knowledge of specific dietary requirements/allergens and maintain a high level of customer care.
- Mentor new members of staff and/or catering apprentices.
- Take responsibility for the operation of the kitchen in the absence of the Catering Supervisor or Second Chef, including occasional ordering of catering supplies.
- Work with the housekeeping team to ensure the Dining Room is cleaned and maintained to a high level of cleanliness throughout the day.
- When required, work with the Housekeeping Team and Maintenance Team to assist with additional cleaning and maintenance provision.
- Comply with the Trust’s Health and Safety policies and procedures and ensure that relevant legislation is followed.
- Complete relevant qualifications or training required to comply with health and safety legislation or best practice.
- On‑site accommodation available if required.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- NVQ level 2 or above (or equivalent) in catering or significant experience working in a professional kitchen.
Desirable
- Level 2 food safety certificate or higher.
- Driving licence.
- Understanding or experience of working with people with disabilities.
- Experience of catering for a variety of special dietary needs.
Conditions of Service
This role requires flexibility, commitment, and a proactive work ethic. Calvert Lakes operates as a 24/7 residential centre, so weekend and occasional evening work may be required to meet operational needs.
All positions are subject to 2 × employee references and a basic DBS check.
Supplemental Pay & Benefits
- Holiday pay.
- Occupational Sick Pay Scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Free parking.
- On‑site staff accommodation (where available).
- Incentivised Pay Scales.
- Subsidised staff meals.
- Location/views/Walks.
- DBS paid for by employer.
- Parental leave: Up to 18 weeks unpaid leave for each child up to their 18th birthday (maximum of 4 weeks per year).
- Statutory Maternity, Adoption & Paternity Pay.
- Use of Calvert Lakes Pool where available.
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