Cooking Project Leader
FoodCycle Projects are where the magic happens, as every week we welcome guests for a delicious, wholesome meal and friendly conversation. Each Project is run on the ground by a team of 8 or more lead volunteers called Project Leaders, who take ownership and make decisions about its day-to-day running.
Each leader takes on a specific role to ensure the smooth running of their FoodCycle Project.
As a volunteer Cooking Project Leader, you’ll be instrumental in making sure our guests enjoy delicious, wholesome three-course meals every week, making use of the surplus food supplies collected and delivered to your kitchen. You’ll induct cooking volunteers into the kitchen, facilitate the team, create recipe ideas, and lead on the preparation and cooking of the meal.
What will I be responsible for?
As a volunteer Cooking Project Leader, you’ll be responsible for:
- Running cooking sessions, leading a team of volunteers to create a three-course meal in a limited timeframe.
- Ensuring the team are following the food safety procedures set out in our kitchen handbook.
- Inducting new volunteers into the kitchen.
- Encouraging the whole team to have input into planning a tasty, healthy, and nutritionally balanced menu.
- Communicating with other Cooking Project Leaders and your Project’s Surplus Food Coordinator(s) to ensure the store of dry/tinned goods is kept tidy and well stocked.
- Completing the weekly checklist in the kitchen handbook, and the weekly session report via the Project Leader portal.
What experience do I need?
You don’t need to have any previous cooking experience – you just need to love food and motivating people!
We’ll give you training and support, and you’ll develop a whole raft of skills that will look great on your CV – from teamwork to leadership. You’ll also get training in some specific areas like Safeguarding and Food Safety.
Best of all, you’ll enjoy a fun, creative volunteer experience with ownership over a community-led project that makes a real, positive difference in people’s lives.
How much time do I need to commit?
The suggested minimum time commitment for the Cooking Project Leader role is 8 hours a month.
FAQS
What is a Project Leader and how is it different from a volunteer?
A Project Leader is a slightly more senior volunteer role, with extra training to help you feel confident running the sessions, supporting the volunteers and ensuring everyone has a good time! Project Leaders are also asked to submit a short report after each session and attend regular Project Leader team meetings. All Project Leaders are DBS checked.
What training will I receive?
As a FoodCycle volunteer you will receive basic training in Food Safety, Health & Safety, and Safeguarding when you register. After registering, you will have access to a variety of free online resources and training via the FoodCycle volunteer portal, including mental health awareness and guides for serving nutritious meals and talking to guests.
How often do I need to volunteer?
We don’t look for minimum commitments, but we love it if you keep coming back! An average food collection slot is 2 hours. You can volunteer weekly, monthly or just when you have the time.
Do I need a car or a bike?
What experience do I need?
You don’t need any specific experience; we just want you to be enthusiastic about supporting your local community. We ask that you complete all the required training and follow all policies and procedures.
Can I claim travel expenses?
How old do I need to be to volunteer?
All volunteers must be over the age of 18.
Can I volunteer if I have a disability?
Visit our equal opportunities page to find out more about volunteering with a disability.
How do I become a volunteer?
Signing up to be a FoodCycle volunteer is really easy, just complete our online form.
Equal Opportunities
At FoodCycle we are a diverse organisation and welcome volunteers and guests from all backgrounds and walks of life. Visit our equal opportunities page to find out about volunteering with a disability.
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