Reposted over 30 days ago

Kitchen Assistant - Bank - Care Home

Barchester Healthcare
Pay £11.94/hour
Location Chellaston, DE73 5XE
Contract time Full time, contract

The Breakroom Take

6.0

Rated 6.0 out of 10, based on 484 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

See all job reviews

  • People enjoy this job
  • Pays all ages fairly
  • Recommended by students
  • Recommended by parents
  • Proper training

About Barchester Healthcare

Barchester Healthcare is a care group. They operate care homes and assisted living locations.

Job description from Barchester Healthcare

ABOUT THE ROLE
As a Bank Kitchen Assistant at a Barchester care home, you'll help to provide the first-class food and hospitality that enable us to give our residents exceptional all-round care and support. A healthy, nutritious diet is vital to ensuring our residents' wellbeing and helping them enjoy daily life with us, which is why the role of Bank Kitchen Assistant is so important. Providing cover for any planned or unplanned absences, you'll help to produce meals and create a fulfilling dining experience for every resident. You'll be an asset to your colleagues and your impact will reach beyond the kitchen too. There'll be plenty of opportunities for you to get to know our residents and enhance their hospitality experience.

ABOUT YOU
When you join us as a Bank Kitchen Assistant, you'll play a crucial role in the success of your care home. That's why we're looking for someone who's committed to maintaining the highest standards in the kitchen and during the food preparation process. You should be reliable, considerate and caring in your approach, and flexible when it comes to your work patterns. Formal qualifications aren't necessary, although any similar experience gained in a commercial or care setting would be useful.

REWARDS PACKAGE
As well as competitive pay, you can look forward to a role that offers true flexibility and plenty of free learning and development opportunities. As one of the UK's leading healthcare providers, we take catering seriously and even run a fiercely-contested annual Barchester Hospitality Awards. If you do well in this role it could lead to a permanent one.

As this is a Bank position to provide cover as and when we need it, such as for annual leave or sick leave, the hours and days you work will vary.

If you'd like to use your attention to detail and people skills in an organisation that provides the quality care you'd expect for your loved ones, this is a rewarding place to be

Job insights from Breakroom

Kitchen and catering assistant

Kitchen porters or kitchen assistants prepare food, make sure chefs have everything they need

What you’ll do as a kitchen and catering assistant:

  • Plan meals
  • Prepare and cook food
  • Purchase food and look after a budget
  • Be responsible for the hygiene and safety of food served

Is it right for you?

This job may involve:

  • Standing
  • Physical activities
  • Wearing a uniform
  • Cleaning
  • Anti-social hours

Map

Chellaston, DE73 5XE

A map of the rough location for this vacancy

What employees say

Pay

    Good
  • Most people are paid a living wage

    Do Barchester Healthcare pay a living wage?

    Most people are paid a living wage.

    How we know this

    77% of people say they are paid at or above the Real Living Wage for where they live.

    Based on data from 79 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should be paid enough to live on.

    The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.

    The current rates are £12.60 per hour, and £13.85 per hour in London.

    Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.

  • Good
  • Most people are paid market rates

    Do Barchester Healthcare pay market rates?

    Most people are paid above average for their job.

    How we know this

    73% of people are paid above average for the type of work they do.

    Based on data from 81 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.

  • Good
  • Everyone is paid the same, whatever their age

    Do Barchester Healthcare pay the same regardless of age?

    Yes, people under the age of 21 get paid the same as those above 21.

    See what Barchester Healthcare pays different age groups

    How we know this

    The average pay of under 21s is the same as those above 21.

    Based on data from 102 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2022 and November 2024.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get paid breaks

    Do workers at Barchester Healthcare get paid breaks?

    Sometimes. Only some people get paid breaks.

    How we know this

    52% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.

    Based on data from 86 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should have paid breaks.

    You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get sick pay

    Do Barchester Healthcare pay sick pay?

    No. Most people don’t get proper sick pay.

    How we know this

    90% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.

    Based on data from 83 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.

    At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.

    This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.

  • Okay
  • Some people do unpaid extra work

    Do workers at Barchester Healthcare do extra work that they don't get paid for?

    Sometimes. Some people do unpaid extra work.

    How we know this

    34% of people report that they do extra work that they don’t get paid for.

    Based on data from 76 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.

Hours and flexibility

    Okay
  • Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts

    How much notice do people get of their shift pattern at Barchester Healthcare?

    Only some people get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.

    How we know this

    • 13% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
    • 12% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
    • 25% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
    • 50% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.

    Based on data from 76 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.

    This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.

  • Good
  • Most people don’t worry about their hours

    Do workers at Barchester Healthcare worry about hours?

    Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.

    How we know this

    79% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.

    Based on data from 76 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.

    A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.

    This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get a choice of shifts

    Do Barchester Healthcare workers get to choose the shifts they work?

    Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.

    How we know this

    47% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.

    Based on data from 70 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.

  • Okay
  • Can be hard to change shifts

    How easy is it for Barchester Healthcare workers to change shifts?

    Some people find it hard to change shifts.

    How we know this

    59% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.

    Based on data from 54 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.

  • Good
  • Easy to book holiday

    How easy is it to book a holiday at Barchester Healthcare?

    Most people find it easy to book holiday.

    How we know this

    69% of people report it’s easy to book holidays.

    Based on data from 71 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.

  • Okay
  • Shifts can get changed at short notice

    Do Barchester Healthcare managers change shifts at short notice?

    Some managers change people’s shifts at short notice.

    How we know this

    34% of people say their manager changes their shifts at the last minute.

    Based on data from 68 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.

  • Okay
  • Some people find it hard to take sick leave

    How easy is it to take sick leave at Barchester Healthcare?

    Some people find it hard to take sick leave.

    How we know this

    62% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.

    Based on data from 74 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.

    A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.

  • Good
  • Most students say it’s good

    Is a Barchester Healthcare job good for students?

    Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    How we know this

    71% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should allow you to fit work around important things in your life, like studying.

    Life isn’t just about work. Good jobs make space for you to do well in both.

  • Good
  • Most parents say it’s good

    Is working at Barchester Healthcare good if you’re a parent or carer?

    Most parents and carers say this is a good place to work.

    How we know this

    80% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.

    Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.

Workplace

    Okay
  • Only some people feel treated with respect

    Do people at Barchester Healthcare feel treated with respect by their managers?

    Some people don’t feel treated with respect by their managers.

    How we know this

    43% of people say they’re not treated with respect by their managers.

    Based on data from 67 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get proper breaks

    Do people at Barchester Healthcare get proper breaks?

    Some people don’t get proper breaks.

    How we know this

    52% of people report that they don’t get to take proper breaks.

    Based on data from 82 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people are stressed

    Is it stressful to work at Barchester Healthcare?

    Most people feel stressed here.

    How we know this

    76% of people say they often feel stressed at work.

    Based on data from 82 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.

    Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Good
  • Most people enjoy their job

    Do people at Barchester Healthcare enjoy their jobs?

    Most people enjoy their job.

    How we know this

    75% of people report they enjoy their job.

    Based on data from 73 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

  • Okay
  • Only some people recommend their team

    Do people at Barchester Healthcare recommend working with their team?

    Only some people recommend working with their team.

    How we know this

    63% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.

    Based on data from 88 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job means enjoying the place where you work.

    The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.

    If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.

  • Good
  • Most people get enough training

    Do people get enough training when they start at Barchester Healthcare?

    Most people got enough training when they started.

    How we know this

    80% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.

    Based on data from 84 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.

    This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.

    It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get support to progress

    Are people given support to progress at Barchester Healthcare?

    Only some people are given support to progress here.

    How we know this

    In the last year, 50% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.

    Based on data from 70 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.

    This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.

  • Needs improving
  • Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening

    Do people think Barchester Healthcare head office understands what's happening where they work?

    Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.

    How we know this

    84% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.

    Based on data from 75 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.

    To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.

  • Okay
  • Only some people feel well informed by head office

    Do workers feel well informed about how Barchester Healthcare is doing?

    Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.

    How we know this

    57% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.

    Based on data from 79 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.

    You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.

Find out more about working at Barchester Healthcare

What Barchester Healthcare employees say about their job

  • Best thing

    The residents

    Worst thing

    The management. They will let you work your self to burn out and then blame you for it. You don't get listened to unless you get hard proof of anything so if you decide to work for Barchester make sure you get evidence of everything that is going on in the home so that you get listened to.

    1.7

    Barchester Healthcare Care assistant, November 2024

  • Best thing

    The other carers are really supportive and friendly
    Very welcoming team

    Worst thing

    Management, unprofessional
    Understaffed one carer to 17 residents with some high risk of falls. It's unsafe
    No allocated breaks it's a free for all
    No meals provided for staff
    Lack of communication between staff and management

    1.6

    Barchester Healthcare Support worker, August 2024

See more reviews
  • Best thing

    I love working with the elderly people who need my assistance in living a full and healthy lifestyle

    Worst thing

    Too much time taken in other duties and not enough time to care for residents the way we should care and the paperwork is unbelievable

    3.7

    Barchester Healthcare Carer, July 2024

  • Best thing

    looking after people

    Worst thing

    it's a toxic place to work. no support from management. she changes what she says often. bitching between staff is really bad and management don't care. you report safeguarding issue n they still allow said issue to work in building. you report concern other clients and nothing is done especially regarding nursing patients.

    6.0

    Barchester Healthcare Senior carer, March 2023

  • Best thing

    You get supports front the staff

    Worst thing

    When we are short and don't get time and half when we have to do the extra work when are short staffed

    4.9

    Barchester Healthcare Care assistant, February 2023

  • Best thing

    The team you work with on the floor and the friends you make

    Worst thing

    Management not caring about their employees and more interested in filling the rooms and accepting residents who’s needs you cannot meet, getting paid less for the same work because of your age. The stress

    5.5

    Barchester Healthcare Senior carer, November 2022

  • Best thing

    Work a weeks hours in 3 days.
    Like who I work with.

    Worst thing

    Stressful, barchester is massively profit orientated.
    Pay isn’t great for what you do but you get that everywhere

    5.0

    Barchester Healthcare Care assistant, October 2021

  • Best thing

    I love been a carer and looking after patients . I love interacting and seeing them progress and some go home .

    Worst thing

    I feel we aren’t praised enough and rewarded enough it always seems to be the same people that get rewarded when we do so much .

    6.8

    Barchester Healthcare Care assistant, March 2021

  • Best thing

    We work incredibly hard, it’s a very rewarding place to work, the friends you make last a lifetime.

    Worst thing

    Usually not enough staff or hrs, leading to stress amongst staff.

    4.6

    Barchester Healthcare Head of Housekeeping, December 2020

  • Best thing

    I enjoy chatting and listening to the people which live in the care home.
    I work with some great people there, I enjoy chatting and working with them.

    Worst thing

    Not doing a good job, because we are not given enough time or staff to do the job correctly.
    Seeing residence unhappy and not having the time to spend with them to support them.

    4.9

    Barchester Healthcare Care assistant, November 2020

  • More reviews from Barchester Healthcare employees

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