Located just a mile from Tonbridge Town Centre, Barnes Lodge is a stunning residential home that opened in 2016, set in established trees on the outskirts of Tonbridge.

Barnes Lodge offers person centred residential care on a respite or permanent basis within our retirement community, and sits alongside Rosewell House Extra Care Housing Scheme, a scheme comprising 59 apartments and promoting independent living for over 55s.

Barnes Lodge highly trained staff are committed to caring for the residents as though they are an extended family member, getting to know them and supporting them to live life to the fullest.

Applications from people who would like to join the dedicated teams of staff working hard to ensure the care delivered is always of the highest quality are always welcome.

Barnes Lodge is rated "Good" by CQC.

Barnes Lodge Barnes Lodge has a vacancy for a full time, suitably competent and qualified Head Chef.

Pay: £12.00 per hour.

Working hours to be advised.

Main Duties and Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Taking full responsibility for the kitchen including staffing, budgeting, ordering stock, hygiene, food safety, the management of the team and the production of meals and refreshments in accordance with CQC standards and the requirements of The Organisation and to ensure the delivery of high quality nutritious meals to residents providing them with choice, within the budget allocated

The ideal Head Chef will demonstrate / evidence

o A caring and compassionate approach
o Patience and understanding of older people
o Leadership and staff management skills; directive and supportive coaching, training, delegation
o Evidence of appropriate qualification
o Relevant experience in catering for large numbers and knowledge of food preparation and hygiene for older people
o Awareness of cultural and dietary needs of individuals
o Current knowledge of HandS legislation and application of HandS practices
o Knowledge and understanding of COSHH regulations
o Application of HandS practices with particular regard to catering equipment
o Effective judgement about staffing difficulties, evidence gathering and ethics
o Risk assessment practice
o Good communication skills with different groups, e.g. staff, residents, local community
o Understanding of different values / cultures of residents and staff
o Team working skills
o Good timekeeping skills
o Professionalism


The ideal Head Chef will have the ability to:

o Meet the quality standards as defined by outside agencies
o Make decisions with senior staff in respect of menus
o Ensure efficiency within kitchen environment
o Lead good practice by example
o Play an active role in creating a good environment
o Prioritise their work
o Be aware of the support needed by others, consider how they can support them and encourage and support them
o Train for and take on additional responsibilities
o Listen carefully and attentively
o Respect the dignity and privacy of all those they come into contact with
o Apply their knowledge and training in the workplace
o Uphold the policies and procedures of The Organisation




Benefits of working for us include:

o We pay the Adult National Living Wage to all of our employees, regardless of their age
o 28 days paid holiday (pro-rota if part time)
o Comprehensive Induction and Training Packages Continual professional development including our Academy and National Diploma courses
o Stakeholder Pension Scheme Opportunities to progress.


Confirmation of all appointments is subject to proof of Eligibility to Work in the UK, satisfactory Enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, satisfactory numeracy and literacy assessments and medical clearance.

If you have any questions about the role or about Rapport Housing and Care, please feel free to contact the General Manager on 01732 369171.

Otherwise and to apply, please click on the apply now button and complete the online form.

Rapport Housing and Care offers Supported and Residential Care to older people with physical frailty and Dementia across Kent.

Rapport Housing and Care values the diversity that exists in all our communities and works towards this being reflected in our workforce.

Charity No: 254140.