Cook - Reading
National Trust
23,166 pa
Reading, Berkshire
Full time, permanent
The Breakroom Take
- People enjoy this job
- Pays all ages fairly
- Recommended by students
- Recommended by parents
- Respectful managers
About National Trust
The National Trust is a heritage conservation charity. They look after houses, buildings, gardens, and areas of coastline and countryside.
Job description from National Trust
Cook - Reading
Summary
Do you have a passion for food? The National Trust is renowned for its food and hospitality. We run 185 cafes all over England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and we'd love you to be a part of it.
We’re looking for a Cook to join us. Because we are in a rural area, please think about how you’d be able to get here for work, before applying for the job.
Benefits: We want to help you look after the things that matter to you, such as saving for your future, getting a discount on your weekly shop, or encouraging you to find a work-life balance. Please read our package, below, to see what benefits we offer you.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Weekend and Bank Holiday working will be required for this role.
Salary: £23,166 per annum
Duration: Permanent
Interview date: 1,2,10,11 October 2024
Potential start date: ASAP
What it's like to work here
Reporting to the Chef, you'll be joining a team of 2 in the kitchen.
To find out more about what it’s like to work in a food and beverage team for the National Trust, click here to watch our video.
What you'll be doing
As a Cook, your focus will be in the kitchen, helping to prepare and present delicious food from scratch using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Your food will be served directly to visitors. Using the framework of our ‘National Trust Cookbook’, you’ll prepare, measure and mix ingredients. You’ll help with deliveries and with keeping the kitchen clean, to be compliant with health and safety legislation and to make sure that service runs smoothly. We’ll give you an induction that fits the job, and training in allergens and food safety, plus any mentoring needed to help you in your role. You can sign up for further professional training and development if you wish. Please also read the full role profile, attached to this advert.
Who we're looking for
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
• Someone who loves good food and has a friendly and positive attitude.
• Confident about following recipes and batch-cooking, and willing to learn.
• Aware of health and safety compliance.
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
Map
Reading, Berkshire
|fill:rgba(255,157,151,0.5)|width:2|enc:}aiyH|``EdCmlApKcjAnSmeAvZs~@fa@}u@tf@ok@zj@w_@vm@aSfo@uEdo@xEvm@dSxj@z_@rf@pk@da@|u@vZp~@lSjeAnK|iAfChlAgChlAoK|iAmSheAwZr~@ea@|u@sf@pk@yj@z_@wm@bSeo@zEgo@uEwm@aS{j@w_@uf@qk@ga@{u@wZu~@oSmeAqKajAeCmlA)
What employees say
Pay
-
Okay
-
Only some people are paid a living wage
Do National Trust pay a living wage?
Some people are not paid a living wage.
How we know this
61% of people say they are paid below the Real Living Wage for where they live.Based on data from 100 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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 £12.00 per hour, and £13.15 per hour in London.
Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.
Okay
-
Only some people are paid market rates
Do National Trust pay market rates?
Only some people are paid above average for their job.
How we know this
40% of people are paid below average for the type of work they do.Based on data from 82 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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 National Trust pay the same regardless of age?
Yes, people under the age of 21 get paid the same as those above 21.
See what National Trust pays different age groupsHow we know this
The average pay of under 21s is the same as those above 21.Based on data from 170 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and October 2024.
Needs improving
-
Most people don’t get paid breaks
Do workers at National Trust get paid breaks?
No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.
How we know this
86% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.Based on data from 108 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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.
Good
-
Most people get sick pay
Do National Trust pay sick pay?
Yes. Most people get proper sick pay.
How we know this
68% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.Based on data from 98 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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 National Trust do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Sometimes. Some people do unpaid extra work.
How we know this
45% of people report that they do extra work that they don’t get paid for.Based on data from 66 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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
-
Needs improving
-
Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts
How much notice do people get of their shift pattern at National Trust?
Most people don’t get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.
How we know this
- 47% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
- 32% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
- 6% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
- 15% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.
Based on data from 66 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and September 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.
Okay
-
Some people worry about their hours
Do workers at National Trust worry about hours?
Some people worry about getting enough hours.
How we know this
49% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.Based on data from 55 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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.
Good
-
Most people get a choice of shifts
Do National Trust workers get to choose the shifts they work?
Most people get enough choice over which shifts they work.
How we know this
73% report that their manager gives them enough choice over which shifts they work.Based on data from 64 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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 National Trust workers to change shifts?
Some people find it hard to change shifts.
How we know this
43% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.Based on data from 53 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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 National Trust?
Most people find it easy to book holiday.
How we know this
83% of people report it’s easy to book holidays.Based on data from 101 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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 National Trust managers change shifts at short notice?
Some managers change people’s shifts at short notice.
How we know this
35% of people say their manager changes their shifts at the last minute.Based on data from 69 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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.
Good
-
Most people find it easy to take sick leave
How easy is it to take sick leave at National Trust?
Most people find it easy to take sick leave.
How we know this
89% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.Based on data from 98 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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 National Trust job good for students?
Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
How we know this
93% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.Based on data from 73 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and October 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 National Trust good if you’re a parent or carer?
Most parents and carers say this is a good place to work.
How we know this
93% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.Based on data from 29 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 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
-
Good
-
Most people feel treated with respect
Do people at National Trust feel treated with respect by their managers?
Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
How we know this
84% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.Based on data from 98 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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 National Trust get proper breaks?
Some people don’t get proper breaks.
How we know this
37% of people report that they don’t get to take proper breaks.Based on data from 100 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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 National Trust?
Most people feel stressed here.
How we know this
69% of people say they often feel stressed at work.Based on data from 104 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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 National Trust enjoy their jobs?
Most people enjoy their job.
How we know this
79% of people report they enjoy their job.Based on data from 84 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Okay
-
Only some people recommend their team
Do people at National Trust recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
How we know this
40% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.Based on data from 110 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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.
Okay
-
Only some people get enough training
Do people get enough training when they start at National Trust?
Some people did’t get enough training when they started.
How we know this
38% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.Based on data from 99 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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 National Trust?
Only some people are given support to progress here.
How we know this
In the last year, 49% 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 91 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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 National Trust 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
87% 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 93 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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 National Trust is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
How we know this
37% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.Based on data from 97 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 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.
What National Trust employees say about their job
-
Best thing
best thing is the people, not the managers but the your coworkers. next best is the pay
Worst thing
managers are arseholes
National Trust Team member, September 2024
-
Best thing
The team are great. Love the conservation work and research
Worst thing
Too much expectation and work load for not enough money. The general public can be difficult which makes it stressful.
National Trust Employee, July 2024
Similar jobs around Reading
Find more jobs like this
CloseSave 11 hours a week searching for something new. We can get you…
- The pay you’re looking for
- The hours that you need
- Jobs close to where you live
Answer a few simple questions and we’ll find something that’s right for you. (You can get back to this job later.)
No thanks, I want to applyApplying will take you to a different website.
Type in your email to save this job
Close
By signing up you’re agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.