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THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
13.14 - 13.76 per hour
Somerset
Full-time
7th December 2025

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Chef to join our team at Dunkirk Memorial House. This is an opportunity to use your culinary skills to provide high-quality dining experiences for those who have served in the Armed Forces.

This role offers 35 hours per week, with five seven hour shifts per week between 07:00 – 14:00; 09:00 – 16:00 or 11:00 – 18:00. Salary between £13.14 per hour.

Please note that we are unable to accept applications from overseas candidates who require sponsorship. All candidates must have a valid Right to Work in the UK.

An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Key responsibilities:

As Chef, you will work closely with the Head Chef to ensure the delivery of high-quality dining experiences and service by:

  • Preparing high-quality meals, ensuring strict adherence to special dietary requirements and nutritional standards for beneficiaries.
  • Enforcing food safety best practices and maintaining all required health, safety, and regulatory compliance documentation.
  • Assisting the Head Chef with menu compilation, stock ordering, receipt, and rotation.
  • Delivering engaging dining experiences and provide catering for significant care home and charity events.
  • Contributing to team development by assisting with the induction and mentoring of new catering staff.

What we are looking for:

  • Culinary Qualification: City & Guilds 706 (1 & 2) or Level 3 Food Preparation/Cooking equivalent.
  • Safety Certification: Intermediate Food Hygiene and Emergency First Aid at Work (or willingness to obtain).
  • Experience: Proven experience catering for specific dietary requirements in a professional environment.

Employee benefits include:

  • 22 day’s paid holiday plus bank holidays, increasing with service
  • Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%, subject to eligibility
  • Additional rates for nights, bank holidays and overtime
  • Flexible hours to suit your needs
  • Affordable and quality meals at reduced cost
  • Free on-site parking
  • Free enhanced DBS check
  • Uniform provided at no cost
  • Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
  • Exclusive retailer discounts on popular brands
  • Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives

About Dunkirk Memorial House:

The Royal British Legion runs six UK care homes, offering high-quality residential, nursing, and dementia care for veterans and their families. Set in peaceful Somerset, Dunkirk Memorial House has 86 en-suite rooms, a bar, library, chapel, and rose garden. It includes a specialist Dementia Mews for up to 30 residents. We’re proud to provide expert, compassionate care in a warm, respectful community.

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our shortlisting is performed on the evidence provided in your application against the Essential and Desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

If you require the job advert or job description in an alternative format, please contact 0808 802 8080.