Cook

Brookhaven; Preston; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health rehabilitation service in Bamber Bridge is seeking a Cook to join their kitchen team. In this role, you will prepare nutritious meals that meet the needs of residents while maintaining high kitchen standards. The ideal candidate has 2+ years of kitchen experience and is resilient, non-judgmental, with the ability to work well with clinical teams. This position offers a supportive environment and various employee benefits, including a pension scheme and additional leave options.

Benefits

Statutory annual leave

Workplace pension scheme

Ongoing training and development

Free Blue Light Card membership

Health Cash Plan

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ total kitchen experience, ideally in fresh food or traditional British cuisine.
• Confidence to run the kitchen independently.
• Strong understanding of stock control, food safety, and cleanliness.

Responsibilities

• Prepare balanced, nutritious meals tailored to residents' needs.
• Support the Kitchen Team Manager in maintaining kitchen standards.
• Order and check deliveries, ensuring food safety compliance.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Food safety knowledge

Menu co-production

Strong communication

Job description

Cook
Location:Bamber Bridge, Preston
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Hours: 35hours per week
Pay: £12.60-£12.85 depending on experience (annual equivelant £22,932- £23,387)
Shift Pattern: between 8am and6pm on a two-week rolling rota, with every other weekend off

We are seeking a talented and passionate Cookto join our kitchen team at Brookhaven and The Hamptons, in Bamber Bridge. In this rewarding role, you will create high-quality, nutritious meals that support the health and wellbeing of our residents while delivering a homely, enjoyable dining experience. Whether you're preparing comforting classics or working with residents to refresh seasonal menus, your attention to detail and commitment to care will shine through every plate.

This role is based in a mental health rehabilitation setting, where residents may present with complex needs and challenging behaviours. We’re looking for someone who is emotionally resilient, non-judgemental, and able to build strong working relationships with both clinical teams and external professionals.

The Best Bits

• Statutoryannual leave, including bank holidays.
• Additional days annual leave awarded at 2, 3, and 5 years’ service.
• Workplace pension scheme
• Option to purchase up to 5 days additional leave per year.
• Refer a Friend scheme – earn up to £500 per referral.
• Supportive and friendly team environment with ongoing training and development
• Free Blue Light Card membership
• Free enhanced DBS checks, on-site parking, and lunch (for site-based roles)
• Health Cash Plan – covers dental, optical, virtual GP, counselling, and includes discounted gym membership.

As our Cook, You Will:

• Prepare and present balanced, nutritious meals tailored to the individual needs and preferences of our residents
• Support the Kitchen Team Manager in maintaining kitchen standards, managing stock levels, cleanliness, and food safety compliance
• Participate in co-producing menus with residents, ensuring variety, quality, and alignment with dietary needs
• Order and check deliveries, ensure correct food storage, and minimise food waste
• Maintain accurate cleaning schedules and adhere to all health, safety, and infection control regulations
• Play a key role in creating a positive, person-centred dining experience

What We're Looking For

• 2+ years’ total kitchen experience, ideally withina fresh food or traditional British cuisine setting
• Confidence to run the kitchen independently on the Kitchen Team Manager'sdays off, ensuring smooth operation and consistent quality
• Ability to prepare balanced, nutritious meals tailored to individual resident needs and preferences
• Strong understanding ofstock control, food safety, and cleanliness processes
• Willingness to participate in menu co-production with residents to maintain variety and quality
• Dessert and baking experience is desirable but not essential

Why Join Active Pathways?

With over 20 years of experience operating in Lancashire and Yorkshire, Active Pathways is committed to delivering recovery-focused mental health and rehabilitation services for adults aged 18+. Guided by our values ofPassion, Safety, and Quality, we offer excellent career development opportunities and a people-first culture.

About Brookhaven & The Hamptons

Brookhaven is a 23-bed mixed-gender open rehabilitation service for adults aged 18+, offering recovery-focused care and support for enduring mental health needs. Next door,The Hamptonsis a 14-bed purpose-built inpatient rehabilitation hospital supporting men with complex mental health needs in a secure, structured environment.

If this sounds like the rewarding role you’ve been searching for,APPLY TODAYand join our friendly, supportive team!

Active Pathways Ltd is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We respect and empower each individual and support diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our workforce. We welcome applications from diverse candidates and provide support during our recruitment processes to enable all applicants to perform at their best.