Kitchen Assistant reference: R1197915

## Opportunity Review: Kitchen Assistant at Cottenham Court Care Home This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and dedicated Kitchen Assistant to join the esteemed team at Cottenham Court Care Home, a Bupa facility with a CQC rating of "Good" and an outstanding Carehome.co.uk rating of 9.9. If you're seeking a role where you can directly impact the well-being of residents and contribute to a supportive, caring environment, this position warrants your serious consideration.

Bupa's commitment to "making health happen" is central to their ethos. This role places you at the heart of ensuring residents experience not just nutritious meals, but truly enjoyable and dignified dining experiences. You'll be an integral part of the kitchen team, working collaboratively to support the chefs and contribute to a positive atmosphere within the care home.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Meaningful Impact: This role offers the profound satisfaction of contributing directly to the happiness and health of vulnerable individuals. You'll be a vital link, ensuring residents receive delicious and well-prepared meals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Bupa emphasizes a "positively different culture of care" and encourages employees to "Be you at Bupa." This suggests a workplace that values diversity, collaboration, and individual contributions.
• Career Development & Wellbeing: Bupa invests in its people through its global wellbeing program, Viva. This includes comprehensive health support (My Healthcare), financial wellbeing tools (Wagestream), and a focus on work-life balance with flexible working options and family-friendly benefits.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: The salary range of £12.80 - £13.80 per hour, dependent on experience, is complemented by a generous benefits package. This includes 28 days of holiday, sick pay provisions for frontline teams, long service rewards, free meals on shift, interest-free travel loans, and access to Bupa pension plans.
• Stable Employment: The role is a permanent contract, offering security and the opportunity to build long-term relationships within the care home.
• Special Event Involvement: Opportunities to assist with catering for special events like summer BBQs and Christmas parties add variety and a chance to showcase creativity.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Passion for Food & Care: While previous kitchen experience and a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate are required, a genuine passion for food and a desire to make residents feel at home are paramount. This role is ideal for individuals who find fulfillment in serving others.
• Teamwork & Communication: You'll be working closely with both the kitchen and care teams. Strong communication skills and a collaborative spirit are essential for seamless operations and positive resident interactions.
• Adherence to Standards: Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, including compliance with COSHH and HACCP guidelines, is non-negotiable. This demonstrates a commitment to resident safety and quality.
• Shift Flexibility: The 22-hour week involves shifts between 8 am and 7:30 pm, with alternate weekends. Candidates should ensure this schedule aligns with their personal commitments and career aspirations.
• Career Progression within Bupa: While this is a Kitchen Assistant role, Bupa's commitment to employee growth suggests potential pathways for those who excel and wish to further their careers within the organization.
• No Sponsorship: Please note that this role is not eligible for UK Points Based Immigration System sponsorship.

In summary, the Kitchen Assistant position at Cottenham Court Care Home presents a fantastic opportunity for individuals looking to contribute to a well-respected care provider while benefiting from a supportive and health-focused organizational culture. If you are a motivated individual with a love for food and a genuine desire to care for others, this role could be a significant step in your career journey.