Cook | Elderly Care Home in Petersfield | Part Time

Cook – South Downs Care (SDR Group)

Location: Downs House, Petersfield
Salary: £14.00 per hour (annual review)
Weekend Rate: £14.50 per hour
Hours: 16 hours per week
Shift Pattern: Thursday to Sunday (7:00am – 3:00pm), rotating shifts with alternate weekends

About Us

At South Downs Care, part of the SDR Group, we are committed to delivering personalised, high-quality care in safe, warm and welcoming environments where residents can truly thrive.

We operate two care homes in Hampshire – Downs House and Stroud House – both set in the beautiful countryside.

Downs House is a 46-bed residential care home located less than one mile from the centre of Petersfield. It offers a supportive, homely environment where residents are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, and where staff are valued as part of a close-knit and supportive team.

As a family-owned organisation, our values are at the heart of everything we do: Kindness, Dignity & Respect, Calmness, Creativity, and Responsibility.

About the Role

We are looking for a Cook to join our team at Downs House. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about preparing nutritious, home-cooked meals and making a real difference to the wellbeing of our residents.

You will work closely with the Chef Manager and play a key role in delivering high-quality meals for residents and staff. While experience in a similar setting is an advantage, what matters most is your passion for food, your reliability, and your commitment to high standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook breakfast items such as bacon, eggs, and sausages


• Prepare lunch as the main meal of the day, offering two choices plus desserts


• Prepare light suppers such as sandwiches, soups, and jacket potatoes


• Bake cakes for birthdays and special occasions


• Ensure all meals meet residents’ nutritional and dietary requirements


• Maintain excellent food hygiene and safety standards at all times


• Work both independently and as part of the wider care team

What We’re Looking For

• Previous cooking experience (ideally in a care home, healthcare, or similar setting)


• Understanding of elderly nutrition and special dietary needs


• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards


• A compassionate, caring approach with attention to detail


• A genuine passion for improving residents’ wellbeing through food

What We Offer

• Career development with ongoing training and support


• Holiday entitlement equivalent to 29 days (including bank holidays, pro-rata)


• Pension scheme (where eligible)


• Full structured induction and probation support


• Strong leadership and ongoing management support


• Employee referral bonus: £200 on appointment + £300 after 1 year (T&Cs apply)


• Easily accessible location – Petersfield is well connected via local rail links from Havant, Waterlooville, and surrounding areas

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We value diversity and focus on strengths, potential, and the qualities that matter most in delivering outstanding care.

Apply Today

If you are passionate about cooking and want to make a real difference in people’s lives, we would love to hear from you. No CV? Contact us at: [email protected] or Call: 07484 482896

Important Information

Please note that we are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.

Successful applicants will be required to complete an online DBS check following a conditional offer.