The Greenhouse at Barnes Close
Description of the role
Are you a good cook who could share your skills. Would you enjoy the challenge, broaden skills and cook for a larger number of people? We need volunteers to help us cater for our three-night retreats that we hold throughout the year for those seeking space, hope and renewal.
Our retreats are provided as part of the work of The Greenhouse at Barnes Close. As a Volunteer Cook, you’ll get to bring the recipe ideas, plan the menu, shop, prep, cook and serve. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your skills, and be a part of community gatherings.
You will need to plan and deliver each day; a simple breakfast, lunch and cooked evening meal for between 10-15 guests over three days. (Menu to be discussed in advance with the Director). You’ll also get the option to stay with us for the duration of the events. Additionally:
- Dining room set up and food service at mealtimes.
- Kitchen, dining area clear ups, completed to food hygiene requirements.
- Complete online Food Hygiene qualification as appropriate.
We are looking for someone:
- Who can provide a reference about your abilities as a cook.
- Ability to commit to being available for the length of the retreat.
- Ability to work as part of a team and follow health & safety guidelines, and food hygiene standards.
- Self-motivating, reliable and a positive, can-do attitude.
- Who has a friendly and approachable manner.
Practical Considerations
- Complete online Food Hygiene qualification as appropriate.
- This is a voluntary role with no payment, but reasonable expenses may be reimbursed with prior agreement.
- Provide a reference about the quality of your cooking and your abilities in the kitchen.
- Sign and agree to our Volunteer Code of Conduct and our Transforming Conflict Policy. By doing so you are helping to make our volunteer team a great place to be.
- Keep to all other policies and procedures, summarised in the volunteer handbook.
- Work only within the parameters of your volunteer role description.
- Undertake training and updates.
- Maintain the commitment you choose to make.
- Communicate any needs or desired changes to your role with our Volunteer Coordinator.
Any specific requirements
- Must be 18 or over.
- Will require references.
- Must own a vehicle or have access to one.
Where is the opportunity based?
This opportunity takes place at the Greenhouse at Barnes Close, Chadwich Manor Estate, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 0RA
When is the opportunity available?
The Lent Encounter Retreat is from: 16-19 March 2026, Time and Space Retreat: 20-23 July 2026, Advent Encounter Retreat: 23-26 November 2026.
You have the option to stay with us for the duration of an event.
About the organisation
The Greenhouse at Barnes Close is an Ecumenical Retreat Centre. We have day and residential retreats, community gatherings and more making space to explore faith and justice, reconciliation and peace.
We have five acres of beautiful grounds and a Cadbury heritage home to care for so that people who really need it can come to rest, reflect and grow.
Join our small growing group of volunteers as we dream, garden, prune, paint, cook, clean, administrate, fix and have a great time together in a peaceful place.
Bromsgrove and Redditch Network 