Cooking Workshop Assistant

Volunteerwestberks; Hungerford; On-site; GBP 10,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community organization in Hungerford is seeking volunteers to assist cooking workshop leaders in hands-on cooking sessions for various groups. Responsibilities include planning sessions, teaching essential cooking skills, and promoting sustainable practices such as low-energy cooking and vegetarian recipes. This role offers flexible sessions from Monday to Saturday. Training will be provided, ensuring volunteers feel confident in their cooking skills and community engagement efforts.

Benefits

Accessibility – all venues have disabled access

Training provided

Hands-on support

Qualifications

• Interest in food and cooking with confidence in basic cooking skills.
• Level 1 & 2 Food Hygiene Training – can be arranged.
• Good communication and team‑working abilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead cooking workshops for various community groups.
• Teach essential cooking skills and make nutritious meals.
• Promote low‑energy cooking appliances and vegetarian recipes.
• Minimise food waste by using surplus produce.
• Run markets and demonstrations for best practices.

Skills

Interest in food and cooking

Basic cooking skills

Good communication

Team-working abilities

Education

Level 1 & 2 Food Hygiene Training

Job description

To assist a cooking workshop leader to run small hands‑on cooking sessions with various age groups. All the cooking supplies are provided, and you will have time to familiarise yourself with each recipe beforehand.

Workshop venues are located in Hungerford, Newbury, Greenham and the Lambourn Valley.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and lead cooking workshops for schools, youth clubs, mental‑health charities, food banks and other community groups.
• Teach essential cooking skills and confidence to make nutritious meals from scratch.
• Promote low‑energy cooking appliances (air fryers, slow cookers) to reduce energy bills and carbon footprint.
• Encourage vegetarian recipes to help participants reduce meat consumption.
• Minimise food waste by using leftover and surplus produce, including pick‑ups from local growers and surplus pumpkins.
• Run monthly markets and cook‑ins that support local producers, demonstrate best practices for separating event food waste for composting and using reusable cups and containers.
• Fund cooking appliances and kitchen equipment for schools and food banks.

Skills and Qualifications

• Interest in food and cooking with confidence in basic cooking skills.
• Level 1 & 2 Food Hygiene Training – can be arranged.
• Good communication and team‑working abilities.

Availability

• Morning, Afternoon and Evening sessions.
• Monday to Saturday (2‑hour sessions). Some sessions may be scheduled on Sundays.
• Saturday and Sunday – volunteers are covered by insurance.

Volunteer Support and Application

• Accessibility – all venues have disabled access.
• Training provided – Level 1 & 2 Food Hygiene Training, safeguarding training and hands‑on support.
• Application process – application form and trial period are available.

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