Age UK Sunderland Kitchen Assistant Volunteer

Main Duties: 

Food preparation 

Assist our dedicated kitchen team with preparing and serving nutritionally balanced food according to the weekly menu for Day Care services, Lunch Clubs and local Sheltered Housing. This can include fresh fruit and vegetable preparation, traditional hot meals, baked goods and desserts while following good food hygiene practice. A basic level of cooking knowledge and be able to read and understand written recipes and instructions.  

Cleanliness and Maintenance  

Help maintain a clean and tidy kitchen environment by wiping down surfaces, adhering to our clean-as-you-go policy and all health and safety guidance, cleaning equipment, following the cleaning schedule. Report faults in line with Age UK Sunderland’s Standard Operating Procedures, washing dishes and floors.

Personal hygiene standards must be kept high and consistent to prevent contamination in food handling and ensure the safeguarding of client health. Key standards include frequent hand washing, wearing clean protective clothing, covering all cuts and sores with food safe dressings, keeping hair tied back or covered and avoiding jewellery or strong perfumes. These practices prevent the transfer of germs from hands, hair, and clothing to other people or products. More guidance can be found in the kitchen files should anything be unclear. You should always ask for help if there is anything you do not understand. 

Stock Management 

Assist the Chef with ordering, receiving deliveries of supplies, recording temperatures, storing food and following procedure to ensure accurate stock rotation, informing the Chef of low stock items to be purchased

You will be supported in this role by the chef and the Income Generation Manager

To help maintain the health and independence of the older people in our local area 

Travel expenses will be reimbursed 

Skills and attributes

• Reliable

• Friendly

• Works well within a team

• Good personal hygiene 

Desirable experience

• Catering kitchen experience or wish to gain experience

• Certificate in Food safety or willingness to complete the training