Chef

Priory Group; Gosport; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A mental health rehabilitation service in Gosport is looking for a Part-time Chef to prepare nutritious meals while adhering to food safety standards. The role requires catering qualifications and an understanding of dietary requirements, as you'll be serving a diverse patient population. You will work closely with the Head Chef and other staff to create a positive environment for patients. This part-time role includes multiple benefits such as on-site parking and a contributory pension scheme.

Benefits

Free on-site parking

Birthday holiday

Enhanced maternity pay

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible benefits including gym membership

Access to development opportunities

Sponsorship of professional qualifications

Leadership & management development

Long service award

Refer a friend bonuses

Qualifications

• Experience in healthcare preferably.
• Ability to manage dietary requirements and food allergies.
• Work in a challenging hospital setting.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook meals while considering dietary needs.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety policies.
• Take responsibility for catering operations in the absence of the Head Chef.

Skills

Catering qualifications (NVQ Level 2)

Understanding of food allergens

Resilience

Education

Level 2 in food hygiene

Job description

Part-time Chef

Application Deadline: 27 February 2026

Department: Site Support Roles

Employment Type: Permanent - Part Time

Location: Nelson House

Compensation: £11,000 / year

Description

Priory Hospital Nelson Houseis looking to recruit a Chef to join the team. This is a part-time role of 15 hours a week.

Nelson House is a modern and spacious 28-bedded locked rehabilitation recovery mental health service providing care for men of adult working age with mental illness. By having a focus on the development of skills for independence, the unit provides a positive step for patients, many whose next step will be living in the community. It helps patients learn new ways of managing their conditions and symptoms with the aim of helping to prevent any future relapse. For patients with challenging behaviours, Nelson House helps them to learn skills to change their response to anxiety and distress.

What you'll be doing

You’ll be part of a dedicated and compassionate team, all working together to ensure the smooth running of the hospital and to support the wellbeing of our patients. While your role doesn’t involve providing direct care, your contribution is vital in helping to maintain a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for everyone. Whether you're assisting with day-to-day operations, keeping things organised, or ensuring our spaces are well looked after, your support plays an important part in creating a positive experience for those who live and work here

• Undertakes the planning, preparation and cooking of meals, taking account of any special requests or dietary requirements within the unit.
• Ensuring operational standards comply with the company’s Food Safety policies and guidelines and statutory regulations.
• Takes full shift responsibility for the catering operation (in the absence of the Head Chef).
• Ensures the cost‑effective and efficient control of stock including placing orders for food products and the checking/reconciliation of deliveries.

You can find additional information in the attached job description.

What you’ll bring to the role

Our work is rewarding but can be challenging, so resilience is key. No two days are the same! Your natural empathy will help you support others through both the highs and lows.

In this role of Part Time Chef, experience in healthcare is not essential, it is preferable as catering in a hospital setting can create some interesting challenges. You will already have relevant catering qualifications to at least NVQ Level 2 or equivalent and Level 2 in food hygiene. You will have a good understanding of food allergens and dietary requirements. You will report to the Head Chef and together with your colleagues you will ensure that patients, staff and visitors are offered tasty and nutritious meals which are prepared to a high standard. You will be supported by your senior management team, together with your colleagues, you will ensure that the healthcare team are supported to deliver high quality care.

For more information about the role, you can email [e-mail]

What we will give you in return

We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.

• Free on-site parking
• Birthday Holiday - your birthday as an extra days annual leave
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and Healthcare Cash Plan (Simply Health Scheme)
• Access to development opportunities
• Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel
• Leadership & management development
• Long service award
• Refer a friend bonuses

Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified.