Posted 6 days ago

Chef

Cygnet Health Care
Pay £25.0k per year
Location Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 4YS
Contract time Full time, permanent

The Breakroom Take

6.4

Rated 6.4 out of 10, based on 324 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

See all job reviews

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

About Cygnet Health Care

Cygnet Health Care is a support provider for people with mental health needs, autism and learning disabilities.

Job description from Cygnet Health Care

Cygnet Hospital Stevenage offers a range of secure and PICU and acute mental health services for men and women in a purpose-built therapeutic environment where the focus is on maximising positive outcomes and recovery.

We are looking for an outstanding Chef who’s passionate about food and wants to make a difference. 

You’ll be working 37.5 hours a week in a hospital setting, creating an excellent experience for the people in our care. 

At Cygnet, our perks go way beyond pension schemes and excellent professional development.

You’ll also enjoy shopping, travel and leisure discounts – as well as a range of healthcare and financial benefits – to support you to be happy both in and out of work.

Apply now to enjoy excellent career prospects while being part of an organisation that cares about helping people.

Your day-to-day... 

  • Prepare, cook & serve nutritional, balanced and appetising meals
  • Provide special diets, taking into account individual preferences & needs  
  • Liaise with nursing colleagues to meet patients’ nutritional & dietary needs 
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the kitchen, service areas & dining room
  • Ensure compliance with health & safety standards and Food Hygiene Regulations 
  • Handle, maintain & store kitchen equipment in accordance with Cygnet procedures 
  • Use chemicals in line with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations

Why Cygnet? We’ll offer you…

  • Strong career progression opportunities 
  • Expert supervision & support
  • Employee referral scheme
  • Pension scheme
  • “Cycle to work” scheme & employee discount saving

You are... 

  • A skilled Chef who can work under pressure 
  • Preferably experienced in the care sector 
  • Able to plan nourishing & attractive menus within available budgets
  • The holder of a food hygiene certificate, with good personal hygiene standards
  • Polite & professional, with a positive attitude to internal & external quests at all times
  • An excellent communicator able to liaise with people at all levels
  • Able to work under your own initiative, as part of a team & under supervision
  • [Qualified in catering to City & Guilds 706: 1 & 2 level or NVQ Level 2/3] 

Successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Job insights from Breakroom

Chefs

Chefs prepare and cook food in restaurants, hotels and bars.

What you’ll do as a chef:

  • 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

Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 4YS

A map of the rough location for this vacancy

What employees say

Pay

    Good
  • Most people are paid a living wage

    Do Cygnet Health Care pay a living wage?

    Most people are paid a living wage.

    How we know this

    82% of people say they are paid at or above the Real Living Wage for where they live.

    Based on data from 49 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.

  • Good
  • Most people are paid market rates

    Do Cygnet Health Care pay market rates?

    Most people are paid above average for their job.

    How we know this

    78% of people are paid above average for the type of work they do.

    Based on data from 54 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 Cygnet Health Care pay the same regardless of age?

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

    See what Cygnet Health Care 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 68 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and October 2024.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get paid breaks

    Do workers at Cygnet Health Care get paid breaks?

    Sometimes. Only some people get paid breaks.

    How we know this

    46% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.

    Based on data from 52 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.

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

    Do Cygnet Health Care pay sick pay?

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

    How we know this

    80% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.

    Based on data from 50 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 Cygnet Health Care do extra work that they don't get paid for?

    Sometimes. Some people do unpaid extra work.

    How we know this

    44% of people report that they do extra work that they don’t get paid for.

    Based on data from 36 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

    Okay
  • Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts

    How much notice do people get of their shift pattern at Cygnet Health Care?

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

    How we know this

    • 19% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
    • 24% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
    • 11% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
    • 46% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.

    Based on data from 90 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and October 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 Cygnet Health Care worry about hours?

    Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.

    How we know this

    71% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.

    Based on data from 41 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.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get a choice of shifts

    Do Cygnet Health Care workers get to choose the shifts they work?

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

    How we know this

    43% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.

    Based on data from 40 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and September 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 Cygnet Health Care workers to change shifts?

    Some people find it hard to change shifts.

    How we know this

    55% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.

    Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and September 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 Cygnet Health Care?

    Most people find it easy to book holiday.

    How we know this

    88% of people report it’s easy to book holidays.

    Based on data from 48 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.

  • Good
  • Shifts don’t get changed at short notice

    Do Cygnet Health Care managers change shifts at short notice?

    Most managers don’t change people’s shifts at short notice.

    How we know this

    72% of people say their manager doesn’t changes their shifts at the last minute.

    Based on data from 36 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.

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

    How easy is it to take sick leave at Cygnet Health Care?

    Some people find it hard to take sick leave.

    How we know this

    47% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.

    Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and September 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 Cygnet Health Care job good for students?

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

    How we know this

    73% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    Based on data from 22 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2022 and March 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.

  • Okay
  • Only some parents say it’s good

    Is working at Cygnet Health Care good if you’re a parent or carer?

    Only some parents and carer say this is a good place to work.

    How we know this

    43% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.

    Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and September 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 Cygnet Health Care feel treated with respect by their managers?

    Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.

    How we know this

    75% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.

    Based on data from 48 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 Cygnet Health Care get proper breaks?

    Some people don’t get proper breaks.

    How we know this

    62% of people report that they don’t get to take proper breaks.

    Based on data from 50 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 Cygnet Health Care?

    Most people feel stressed here.

    How we know this

    71% of people say they often feel stressed at work.

    Based on data from 49 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 Cygnet Health Care enjoy their jobs?

    Most people enjoy their job.

    How we know this

    72% of people report they enjoy their job.

    Based on data from 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and September 2024.

  • Okay
  • Only some people recommend their team

    Do people at Cygnet Health Care recommend working with their team?

    Only some people recommend working with their team.

    How we know this

    46% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.

    Based on data from 54 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.

  • Good
  • Most people get enough training

    Do people get enough training when they start at Cygnet Health Care?

    Most people got enough training when they started.

    How we know this

    70% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.

    Based on data from 47 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 Cygnet Health Care?

    Only some people are given support to progress here.

    How we know this

    In the last year, 62% 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 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and September 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 Cygnet Health Care 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

    79% 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 47 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 Cygnet Health Care is doing?

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

    How we know this

    43% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.

    Based on data from 46 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.

Find out more about working at Cygnet Health Care

What Cygnet Health Care employees say about their job

  • Best thing

    I get to make a difference in people’s lives

    Worst thing

    I don’t feel I’m listened to by management and they my opinions matter

    3.9

    Cygnet Health Care Support worker, April 2024

  • Best thing

    The people that I give care to

    Worst thing

    No support from management or other members of staff

    3.9

    Cygnet Health Care Healthcare assistant, April 2024

See more reviews
  • Best thing

    Seeing people with mental health problems recover and get back into the community.

    Worst thing

    No autonomy. Inadequate pay. Overtime is paid at a flat rate.

    5.0

    Cygnet Health Care Support worker, October 2023

  • Best thing

    Helping young people in need and knowing your make a difference in their journey. Watching them be discharged is as well the best.

    Worst thing

    Seeing young people harm themselves.

    7.3

    Cygnet Health Care Support worker, September 2022

  • Best thing

    Staff I work with
    Very free to do your job at your own pace

    Worst thing

    Management
    Managers
    Overworked some days
    Not enough training

    6.4

    Cygnet Health Care Employee, August 2022

  • Best thing

    On the whole it is a good company to work for

    Worst thing

    Sometimes you don't feel supported

    6.4

    Cygnet Health Care Support worker, May 2022

  • Best thing

    Supoorting the resident, the impact you have on there life and wellbeing is the best part

    Worst thing

    No sick pay and judge for being off sick

    7.3

    Cygnet Health Care Support worker, February 2022

  • Best thing

    That it is steasful at times and it’s a demanding role

    Worst thing

    Having to leave personnel problems at the door

    5.5

    Cygnet Health Care Support worker, December 2020

  • Best thing

    Getting to help patients through their journey of rehabilitation is amazing, it makes you feel like a proud mum.

    Worst thing

    Sometimes restraining patients who are in danger to themselves or other isn't nice for you or the patient but lots of debriefs are given to talk about the situations and alot of support is given

    7.6

    Cygnet Health Care Senior support worker, December 2020

  • Best thing

    I know what I'm doing from day to day and I'm confident in my abilities.

    Worst thing

    Unpredictable nature of the service users, lack of consistency in approach.

    6.0

    Cygnet Health Care Support worker, November 2020

  • More reviews from Cygnet Health Care employees

Similar jobs around SG1 4YS