Weekend Catering Support
Gorsefield Rural Studies and Outdoor Activity Centre
Grove Hill, Stansted, Essex, CM24 8SS
Job type: Casual, zero-hours
Working pattern: Weekends, according to residential bookings
DBS requirement: Enhanced DBS check
Grade and salary: To be confirmed
About Gorsefield
Gorsefield Rural Studies and Outdoor Activity Centre provides residential and day-visit experiences for children and other visiting groups. We are looking for a reliable, organised and suitably experienced individual to support the delivery of our weekend catering provision.
This is a varied and practical role within a friendly team, helping us to provide safe, nutritious and appealing meals in a welcoming residential setting.
Working hours
The role will be offered on a casual, zero-hours basis. Hours will depend on residential bookings and operational requirements.
A typical weekend working pattern is:
Friday: 2.00pm to 7.00pm
Saturday: 7.00am to 7.00pm
Sunday: 7.00am to 4.00pm
Applicants should be able to work flexibly according to the needs of the centre.
About the role
The Weekend Catering Support postholder will help prepare, cook and serve breakfast, lunch and evening meals for weekend residential groups.
Menus will be agreed in advance, with some food preparation completed by Gorsefield’s weekday catering team. The postholder will be responsible for completing the remaining preparation, cooking and service arrangements while maintaining high standards of food hygiene, allergen management and cleanliness.
The postholder will report to the Head Chef and/or designated Centre Manager and will work closely with the Weekend Kitchen, Cleaning and Housekeeping Support postholder.
Main duties and responsibilities
Food preparation and service:
- Prepare, cook and present breakfast, lunch and evening meals in accordance with agreed menus and instructions.
- Complete the final preparation of food prepared in advance by the weekday catering team.
- Serve meals promptly, professionally and courteously.
- Follow agreed recipes, portion guidance and presentation standards.
- Help minimise food waste through careful preparation, portioning and storage.
Food safety, allergies and dietary requirements:
- Follow all food hygiene, temperature-control, storage, labelling and record-keeping procedures.
- Accurately follow allergen information and special dietary instructions.
- Prevent cross-contamination and ensure meals are suitable for the intended recipients.
- Immediately raise any uncertainty about an allergy or dietary requirement with the Head Chef or designated manager.
- Complete required food-safety and temperature records accurately and promptly.
Kitchen and dining-room hygiene:
- Wash crockery, cutlery, utensils and kitchen equipment.
- Clean and reset food-preparation areas, the kitchen and the dining room after each meal service.
- Follow daily and weekly cleaning schedules.
- Use cleaning products safely and in accordance with COSHH instructions.
- Help maintain standards that support a food hygiene rating of 5.
Operational support:
- Check ingredients, equipment and supplies against planned menus.
- Report shortages, damaged items or unusual levels of usage promptly.
- Store food, equipment and supplies safely and securely at the end of each shift.
- Report defects, accidents, incidents, hazards and safeguarding concerns promptly.
- Seek approval before making purchases or committing expenditure.
- Use food, supplies and equipment carefully and economically.
Teamwork and customer service:
- Work collaboratively with the weekend support postholder and other Gorsefield staff.
- Communicate effectively with the Head Chef, Centre Manager, visiting group leaders, colleagues and visitors.
- Provide a friendly, respectful and professional service to children and adults.
- Work calmly and efficiently during busy service periods.
- Undertake other reasonable catering-related duties required for the safe and effective running of weekend residential bookings.
Safeguarding
Gorsefield is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
The successful applicant will be required to:
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
- Follow all safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Complete mandatory safeguarding training.
- Undertake an enhanced DBS check before commencing work.
Essential knowledge and skills
Applicants should have:
- Knowledge of basic cooking techniques and safe food preparation.
- An understanding of food hygiene, safe storage, cooking temperatures and contamination prevention.
- Knowledge of food allergies, special diets and cross-contamination controls.
- The ability to prepare and cook a range of straightforward meals to a good standard.
- The ability to follow menus, recipes, instructions and allergen information accurately.
- Good organisational and time-management skills.
- The ability to work to meal-service deadlines.
- The ability to maintain a clean, safe and orderly kitchen and dining environment.
- Clear communication, teamwork and customer-service skills.
- The ability to remain calm and resolve routine problems during busy service periods.
Qualifications and experience
Essential:
- Food Hygiene Level 2, or a willingness to obtain this before undertaking unsupervised food preparation.
- Allergen Awareness training, or a willingness to complete it.
- Experience of preparing or serving meals in a kitchen, catering or hospitality setting.
Desirable:
- Experience of catering for children or large groups.
- An understanding of COSHH requirements in a catering environment.
- First Aid at Work qualification.
- COSHH training.
- Fire Awareness training.
The successful applicant will also be required to complete all mandatory safeguarding, food hygiene, allergen, health and safety, fire awareness and other relevant training.
What we are looking for
We are looking for someone who is:
- Reliable, punctual and flexible.
- Friendly, respectful and professional.
- Able to work independently while also contributing positively to a team.
- Committed to high standards of food safety, cleanliness and customer service.
- Comfortable working in a busy residential environment.
- Inclusive and respectful when working with children, adults, colleagues and visiting groups.
- Committed to reducing waste, using resources responsibly and supporting Gorsefield’s sustainability aims.
Additional information
This is a casual, zero-hours role. There is no guarantee of a minimum number of hours, and shifts will be offered according to residential bookings and operational need.
The postholder will be expected to attend agreed shifts punctually and provide as much notice as possible if they are unable to attend.
The duties listed above are not exhaustive. The successful applicant may be asked to undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.
This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory pre-employment checks.
Pay: £18.00-£20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
