East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust logo

Catering Assistant - Burnley General Teaching Hospital


Location
Blackburn, England
Salary
£25,272 Per Annum
Profession
Estates and facilities
Grade
Band 2
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Contract Type
Permanent
Posted Date
18 Jun 2026
Medical Protection — indemnity for locally employed doctors from £79

Job overview

As a Catering Assistant with East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, you will be at the heart of our Service ensuring the provision of high-quality catering giving you a great opportunity to really make a difference.

Hours are 37.5 hours a week working on a flexi rota, to include some weekends (All weekends and Bank Holidays receive enhanced payments). Shifts will vary and will include some 6am starts and some 8pm finishing, there will be no split shifts.

We reserve the right to close any vacancies from further applications when we have received a minimum number of applications from which to make a shortlist. Please ensure you apply without delay if you wish to be considered for this role.

PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY

Main duties of the job

MAIN DUTIES

  • The cleaning of premises and equipment to correct standards of cleanliness and frequencies laid down in the cleaning schedules and departmental hygiene policiy
  • Operating and cleaning automatic industrial dishwashers
  • Preparation and cooking of simple food items i.e. salads, sandwiches, breakfasts, preparing buffets for functions and simple diet preparation in accordance with department standardised recipes.
  • Plating and service of meals and beverages to patients and staff
  • Temperature probing of meals and the recording of temperatures in accordance with department policies
  • The issuing of certain food items to the wards with the subsequent correct storage, rotation and maintenance of min/max stock levels
  • As directed fill, clean and look after any ward beverage trolleys. Fridges and Restaurant vending machines
  • Handle cash, check floats and secure takings in accordance with the Trusts Standing Financial Instructions
  • Completion of any appropriate documentation as directed.
  • Frequent safer handling of heavy pieces of equipment of food items within the catering department may be necessary
  • Preparation of cutlery and other items in readiness for patient meal service
  • Duties will include lifting, carrying, bending twisting, pushing and pulling.
  • Collection of patient information, menus, dietary requirements using both paper and electronic methods
  • To complete training and utilize skills in all aspects of the job role as directed

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

HYGIENE

  • Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene in accordance with the hygiene policy and current legislation

CLEANING

  • Comply with the H.A.C.C.P (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) procedure and adapt to any new regulation
  • Complete relevant documentation e.g. HACCP.
  • Work in such a way that does not endanger the safety of self and colleagues, by maintaining a clean, tidy and safe work place area in accordance with the Health and Safety Work Act e
  • Cleaning to standards and frequencies laid down in the cleaning schedules, to ensure correct standards of cleanliness and hygiene in accordance with the hygiene policy and current legislation

GENERAL

  • Responsible for receipt, issue and storage of goods, ensuring that the delivery and storage temperatures are correct and those items are stored properl
  • Report poor quality products to a senior member of sta
  • To report any breakdowns of equipment and any maintenance requirements.
  • Communicate effectively and in a timely manner with all hospital staff, the public and colleagues across the Trust and attend regular staff meetings as required.
  • Assist patients to feel at ease in the hospital environment, assist with directional requests as needed referring any medical or other enquiries to the appropriate staff.
  • Check and report out of date electrical Portable Appliance Testing dates to your supervisor for rectification.
  • Report any infestation sighting to your Supervisor.
  • Perform a daily check in the restaurant food display cabinets rotating stock levels according to date and maintain minimum stock levels, ensuring products are safely stored as per legislation disregarding out of date stock following policy and recording this with supervisor.
  • Safely handle and record the disposal of all waste streams from the Catering department to the waste compound, observing all relevant recycling of waste policies and procedures.
  • Maintain and update paper-based records and information as required, including but not limited to timesheets, food temperature, waste records etc.
  • Receive and pass on relevant information to others, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
  • Respond to initial complaints taking appropriate action as required.
  • Perform assigned duties in the event of a major incident in line with Trust Policy.
  • Wear the correct uniform and safety footwear in accordance to the Uniform Policy
  • Adhere to all Catering and Trust wide policies and procedures.
  • Keep up to date with core skills training and attend all necessary training sessions i.e. fire lectures, food safety training, health and safety training, safer handling training and safeguarding training, and all refresher training
  • Support the training of new and existing staff by demonstrating the use of equipment or procedures that you have been trained in.
  • Ensure awareness of when and how to report untoward incidents and how to respond appropriately with patients’ or relatives complaints.
  • Work with other colleagues as a team member in order to meet the standard of service required by the Tru
  • Maintain good working relations within the departmen
  • Work in the department at the times specified on the rota and provide cover in the absence of colleague

Person specification

Other skills

Essential

  • Ability to deal with information sensitively and confidentially.
  • Knowledge of Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP).
  • Knowledge of the potential of cross contamination within a catering / healthcare setting.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of specialised diets.
  • Knowledge of COSHH regulations.

Qualifications/experience

Essential

  • Possess or willing to complete Foundation Food Hygiene Qualification or equivalent qualification
  • Possess or be willing to complete NVQ Level 2 Hospitality/Customer Care or equivalent qualification
  • Experience of cleaning in a food environment or similar environment.
  • GCSE English and Math’s, grade C or above or grade 9-4 or equivalent qualification in English and Math’s

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working in a hospital or hospitality environment.
  • Experience of using industrial catering equipment.

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Applying for this NHS job

This advert is for Catering Assistant - Burnley General Teaching Hospital with East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust in Blackburn, North West, England. It is listed as a Band 2 Estates and facilities role. The advertised salary is £25,272 Per Annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 01 Jul 2026.

Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (18 Jun 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.

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