Chef Staffing Blog
Practical guides on rates, compliance, and hiring — from the team at Chefs Bay.
Care home chef sickness cover: a 24-hour playbook for Registered Managers
When your head chef calls in sick at 5am, CQC Regulation 14 does not pause. A practical playbook on first-hour actions, relief chef vetting, handover under 20 minutes, CQC notification triggers, and building a pre-vetted bench.
School kitchen staffing: a compliance checklist for 2026
The compliance checklist for hiring school kitchen staff in 2026. Covers Enhanced DBS, KCSIE 2025, Natasha's Law, HACCP, allergen rules, Ofsted SCR requirements, right-to-work checks, and what Benedict's Law changes from September 2026.
Emergency chef cover: how same-day chef agency placements actually work
What 4-hour deployment really requires from a same day chef agency in 2026: bench depth, right-to-work compliance, working time limits, regional reality, and what April's Employment Rights Act changes mean for emergency chef cover.
Contract catering PSL: what it takes to get on (and stay on) the list
A practical guide to Preferred Supplier Lists in UK contract catering. Covers what Compass, Sodexo, Aramark, and Elior expect from staffing agencies, the compliance requirements you will face, and how the April 2026 PAYE reforms change the rules.
How to choose the best chef agency in the UK
A practical guide to picking a chef staffing agency that actually delivers. Covers red flags, compliance checks, fulfilment benchmarks, hidden fees, and the questions every hiring manager should ask before signing.
Chef Agency vs Direct Hire: Which Saves More?
A full cost comparison of hiring chefs through an agency versus direct employment in the UK. Includes 2025-26 salary benchmarks, hidden costs, the 12-week rule, and when each model makes financial sense.
DBS Checks for Kitchen Staff: Complete Guide
Which DBS check does your kitchen staff need? This guide covers Enhanced vs Basic, school kitchen rules, Safer Recruitment, fees, processing times, and what happens if you get it wrong.
How to Handle Chef No-Shows on Match Day
Chef no-shows on match day cost more than one shift. Here is how to prevent them, manage them, and choose an agency that actually delivers.
Temp Chef Rates UK 2026: What to Expect
A guide to temp chef pay rates across the UK in 2026 — by role, region, and sector. Know what to budget before you call an agency.
Get staffing insights straight to your inbox
Practical tips for hospitality managers. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We'll send a confirmation email. By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy.