About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the catering provision at Ravenswood Village. This is a hands-on leadership role, responsible for delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that meet Kosher (Kashrut) requirements, food hygiene regulations, and the individual needs of the people we support.
You will lead and develop a catering team, maintain high standards across kitchen operations, and work closely with care teams to ensure food provision supports health, wellbeing, dignity, and choice.
This is a role where team management, structure, and care come together every day.
About Norwood
Founded in 1795, Norwood is the oldest Jewish charity in the UK. We support and empower neurodiverse children and their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives.
At Norwood, you will make a real difference every day. You will be part of a supportive and inclusive team where kindness is shown in how we care, respect shapes how we work together, belonging ensures everyone feels valued, and empowerment enables people to thrive.
We invest in your growth, care about your wellbeing, and give you the pride of knowing your work changes lives.
Your Day to Day
- Lead and manage the kitchen team, providing supervision, support, and development.
- Plan, prepare, and deliver meals in line with Kosher laws, food hygiene standards, and care plans.
- Ensure food is purchased, stored, prepared, and served safely and in appropriate quantities.
- Design balanced, nutritious menus that accommodate dietary needs, vegetarian options, and medical requirements.
- Maintain full compliance with Food Standards Agency and Health & Safety regulations.
- Oversee stock control, cleaning schedules, waste disposal, and kitchen maintenance.
- Complete and record all required checks including temperatures, opening and closing procedures.
- Liaise with care staff, managers, and health professionals regarding individual dietary requirements.
- Support events, functions, and ad hoc catering needs on or off site, working flexibly when required.
- Provide training and guidance to support staff involved in meal provision across other services when needed.
Qualifications, Experience & Training
Essential
- Proven experience in a professional kitchen, including team leadership.
- Strong knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety, and kitchen compliance.
- Experience preparing meals for large groups with varied dietary needs.
- Ability to work within Kosher food preparation standards or willingness to train.
- Confident communicator, able to work collaboratively with care teams and volunteers.
Desirable
- Formal catering or chef qualification.
- Experience working in a care, education, or community setting.
Reward and Benefits
- Fully funded induction and training
- 25 days annual leave + 8 Bank Holidays (FTE)
- Enhanced parental pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Health cash plan covering dental, optical, and therapy treatments, with virtual GP access, private consultations, and wellbeing tools via the My Medicash App
- Blue Light Card scheme access
- Cycle to Work scheme
- £300 refer-a-friend bonus
- Career development pathway
- Free on-site parking
- A supportive, experienced team and management
A bit more information: Pamela Barnett is a bright, ground-floor residential home located within the Ravenswood Estate, a unique care community in Berkshire. The home supports sixteen adults aged 20s to 70s with severe neurodevelopmental disabilities, including learning disabilities, autism, and physical support needs. Most residents are non-verbal and communicate using Makaton, objects of reference, facial expressions, or body language. So forming close, trusting relationships is key.
The people we support live active and fulfilling lives. Hobbies include swimming, music, baking, arts and crafts, karaoke, theatre trips, holidays, and more. All require high levels of support, including personal care, hoisting, and 1:1 or 2:1 assistance.
Shifts typically run from 07:00 to 21:00 and are planned around the needs and routines of the people we support, not just the rota. You’ll be joining a stable and values-led team committed to Kindness, Respect, Belonging, and Empowerment.
Safe Recruitment: Norwood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children, young people, and adults we support. This role is subject to safer recruitment checks in line with CQC Regulation 19, and appointment is conditional upon satisfactory pre-employment checks, including Right to Work in the UK and a DBS check appropriate to the role.
Email: careers@norwood.org.uk
