We connected with Lisa the Cook Trainer at The Knole who was delighted to share her experience of working at the Knole after an incredibly diverse career which started in criminal justice.
Read more below and watch Lisa tell her story herself in this video:
After working extensively in criminal justice – with roles in probation, prisons and in the community with people with convictions and substance misuse issues – Lisa then moved into a global training role in the private sector before opening her own vintage tea shop.
As a Cook Trainer Lisa manages the busy kitchen – preparing daily lunches and evening meals – alongside providing essential training in cooking and food preparation to clients, with some going on to achieve qualifications, such as their food hygiene certificates.
“The most rewarding part is watching clients grow and getting to know themselves in a safe environment. What has really astounded me is how well and professionally we supervise clients with high-risk offenses – but they’re cared for too. It’s just phenomenal. It’s everything I wished I could see when I worked in community justice and in the prisons system. It is so nice to know that we’re actually helping the situation and helping those clients.”
Lisa also described the privilege of working in a caring and supportive environment, with a team that is there for each other through the ups and downs. Ultimately, they are each there to support the clients treating them with respect with a desire to see them make progress.
“I always want to make the food look nice for the clients as well. I know that they’ll eat it within 30 seconds. But it’s my professional pride, and because I’ve run a business where I’ve got to present nicely to customers, it’s like they’re my customers.”
We’re so thankful for Lisa and all our staff across Langley who work so hard to see our clients flourish.
Read Lisa’s Story in the Spring 2026 edition of Breakout
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