Chef
HC One
£13.60 - £14.20/hour
Milton Keynes, MK14 5AF
Full time, permanent
The Breakroom Take
- People enjoy this job
- Good shift notice
About HC One
HC One is a care home operator.
Job description from HC One
The Applewood - NEW RESIDENTIAL HOME OPENING 2025***
Please note that this is a full-time role working 8am - 5pm, 29.75 hours per week. Full flexibility is required.
HC-One are looking for a Chef with an S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery, a minimum Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, and an understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points.
We want you to have an amazing experience working at HC-One, starting with our commitment to providing the quickest possible turnaround from the point of making you a job offer to you starting with us on day one.
About You
You’ll be organised to meet service times, thrive on autonomy to plan, and prioritise and have a knack for following recipes perfectly. You will be passionate about food and understand the importance of good quality, home cooking to our Residents. And, whenever you communicate with a Resident or co-worker, you’ll be truly considerate and kind.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and therefore it is important that you are able to recognise the signs which may indicate possible abuse, harm or neglect in its different forms and know what to do if there are any concerns. All colleagues are required to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and to undertake additional training in associated areas. You also have the ability to seek appropriate advice and report concerns, including escalation if action is not taken.
About HC-One
At HC-One, kindness is more than a word. It is a belief that caring for people means caring about what matters most to them so we can support them to lead their best possible life.
To be able to provide the kindest possible care there are 5 qualities that everyone who is part of the HC-One team shows up with, supports and coaches in each other every single day. We call these 5 qualities: Kindness the HC-One Way. We are curious, compassionate, creative, courageous, and can always be counted on.
We champion inclusivity, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and can be themselves. Our diverse and inclusive teams allow us to learn from each other and better represent the communities we serve.
Rewards and benefits
We’ll provide full training, so it’s a great opportunity to learn something new. In return, you will enjoy access to a huge variety of benefits and services to support your physical and psychological well-being and throughout your career as a Chef HC-One will invest in you with great opportunities to progress into regional and national roles:
Great work life balance
An hourly rate is subject to experience and qualifications
Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
Free uniform
During a shift of eight hours or more a nutritious meal will be available
Company pension scheme
28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
Group life assurance cover
Wagestream - financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay as you need it
Award-winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications.
GP online - a service providing around the clock GP consultation via an interactive app - available to you and your children under 16
An opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team.
Colleague discounts – Access to over 1600 high street discounts including carefully selected discount partners.
Wellbeing - free of charge access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme. This gives Colleagues and their family access to 24/7 365 support for a whole range of issues including physical, mental and financial issues
Excellent recognition schemes such as ‘Kindness in Care’ and Long Service Awards
An attractive refer a friend scheme of up to £1000 per referral, depending on the role
We are passionate about ensuring that our current and future Colleagues can be their true selves, and that our workforce represents the communities we serve. We prioritise inclusive working practices and invite applicants from all backgrounds into our HC-One family and we are committed to providing the quickest possible turnaround from the point of making you a job offer to you starting with us on day one with full support provided on your journey
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
What employees say
Pay
-
Good
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Most people are paid a living wage
Do HC One pay a living wage?
Most people are paid a living wage.
How we know this
79% of people say they are paid at or above the Real Living Wage for where they live.Based on data from 87 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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 HC One 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 93 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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.
Needs improving
-
Most people don’t get paid breaks
Do workers at HC One get paid breaks?
No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.
How we know this
92% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.Based on data from 98 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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 HC One pay sick pay?
No. Most people don’t get proper sick pay.
How we know this
93% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.Based on data from 92 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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 HC One do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Sometimes. Some people do unpaid extra work.
How we know this
46% of people report that they do extra work that they don’t get paid for.Based on data from 91 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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
-
Good
-
4+ weeks notice of shifts
How much notice do people get of their shift pattern at HC One?
Most people get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.
How we know this
- 9% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
- 10% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
- 12% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
- 69% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.
Based on data from 81 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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 HC One worry about hours?
Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
How we know this
85% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.Based on data from 93 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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 HC One workers get to choose the shifts they work?
Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.
How we know this
46% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.Based on data from 84 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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
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Can be hard to change shifts
How easy is it for HC One 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 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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.
Okay
-
Can be hard to book holiday
How easy is it to book a holiday at HC One?
Some people find it hard to book holiday.
How we know this
46% of people report it’s hard to book holidays.Based on data from 83 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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 HC One 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 89 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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 HC One?
Some people find it hard to take sick leave.
How we know this
50% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.Based on data from 84 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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.
Okay
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Only some students say it’s good
Is a HC One job good for students?
Only some students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
How we know this
56% of students report this isn’t a good place to work if you’re studying.Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2022 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.
Okay
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Only some parents say it’s good
Is working at HC One 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
59% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 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
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Only some people feel treated with respect
Do people at HC One feel treated with respect by their managers?
Some people don’t feel treated with respect by their managers.
How we know this
48% of people say they’re not treated with respect by their managers.Based on data from 80 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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
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Only some people get proper breaks
Do people at HC One get proper breaks?
Some people don’t get proper breaks.
How we know this
61% of people report that they don’t get to take proper breaks.Based on data from 92 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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
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Most people are stressed
Is it stressful to work at HC One?
Most people feel stressed here.
How we know this
82% of people say they often feel stressed at work.Based on data from 92 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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 HC One enjoy their jobs?
Most people enjoy their job.
How we know this
71% of people report they enjoy their job.Based on data from 77 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 2024.
Okay
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Only some people recommend their team
Do people at HC One recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
How we know this
57% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.Based on data from 98 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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
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Only some people get enough training
Do people get enough training when they start at HC One?
Some people did’t get enough training when they started.
How we know this
36% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.Based on data from 90 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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
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Only some people get support to progress
Are people given support to progress at HC One?
Only some people are given support to progress here.
How we know this
In the last year, 59% 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 81 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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 HC One 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
85% 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 84 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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
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Only some people feel well informed by head office
Do workers feel well informed about how HC One is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
How we know this
62% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.Based on data from 90 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and December 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 HC One employees say about their job
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Best thing
The shifts are often easy, they have offered a free meal per shift over 8 hours and there is training for better opportunities.
Worst thing
Even on the easiest shift, your tasked with mindless and often pointless paperwork that is written by hand because management and staff alike refuse to digitalise
HC One Care assistant, December 2024
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Best thing
Work colleagues
Worst thing
Higher management not knowing the work you do
HC One Employee, November 2024
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