Application Deadline: 28 May 2026
Department: Site Support Roles
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Priory Hospital Hemel Hempstead
Compensation: £28,835 / year
Priory Hospital Hemel Hempstead is looking to recruit a Chef to join the team. This is a full time 37.5 hours role working 07:30 – 17:30 4 days a week and every other weekend.
Located within picturesque grounds, Priory Hospital Hemel Hempstead supports the NHS by offering level 2 rehabilitation services for male and female patients with severe and enduring mental health needs.
We also provide specialist Huntington's disease and dementia care for people living with these neurodegenerative conditions, as well as neuropsychiatry support.
You’ll be part of a dedicated and compassionate team, all working together to ensure the smooth running of the hospital and to support the wellbeing of our patients. While your role doesn’t involve providing direct care, your contribution is vital in helping to maintain a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for everyone. Whether you're assisting with day-to-day operations, keeping things organised, or ensuring our spaces are well looked after, your support plays an important part in creating a positive experience for those who live and work here.
The successful candidate will assist with the provision of a catering service within a Priory unit with particular emphasis on the planning, preparation, cooking and serving of meals.
You can find additional information in the attached job description.
Our work is rewarding but can be challenging, so resilience is key. No two days are the same! Your natural empathy will help you support others through both the highs and lows.
In this role of a Chef, experience in healthcare is not essential, it is preferable as catering in a hospital setting can create some interesting challenges. You will already have relevant catering qualifications to at least NVQ Level 2 or equivalent and Level 2 in food hygiene. You will have a good understanding of food allergens and dietary requirements. You will report to the Head Chef and together with your colleagues you will ensure that patients, staff and visitors are offered tasty and nutritious meals which are prepared to a high standard. You will be supported by your senior management team, together with your colleagues, you will ensure that the healthcare team are supported to deliver high quality care.
For more information about the role, you can email LorraineJones@priorygroup.com
We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.
Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified.
Priory is the leading independent provider of mental health and adult social care in the UK.
We support 26,000 people a year to move towards a healthier future so they can live their lives as fully and independently as possible.
We treat more than 70 conditions, including depression anxiety, addictions and eating disorders, as well as children’s mental health, across our nationwide network of sites.
We also support autistic adults and adults with a learning disability, Prader-Willi Syndrome and brain injuries, as well as older people, within specialist residential care and supported living facilities.
With over 13,000 colleagues working at Priory, we have a long and prestigious history, and an unrivalled reputation for making a real and lasting difference to the lives of every individual in our care.
Priory is part of MEDIAN Group, a leading pan-European provider of mental health, specialist care and rehabilitation services, focussed on restoring quality of life through effective, evidenced and data-driven care.
