
Job requirements
Requirements from the employer’s person specification. These describe the role, not your personal match.
Essential
6 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Other skills
Ability to keep information confidential.
- Qualifications/experience
Must be prepared to undertake any training as appropriate including computer training
- Qualifications/experience
Ability to use own initiative and work without close supervision and also to work as part of a team
- Qualifications/experience
Possess or willing to complete Foundation Food Hygiene Qualification or equivalent qualification
- Qualifications/experience
Possess or be willing to complete NVQ Level 2 Hospitality/Customer Care or equivalent qualification
- Qualifications/experience
Experience of cleaning in a food environment or similar environment.
Desirable
2 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Qualifications/experience
Previous experience of working in a hospital or hospitality environment.
- Qualifications/experience
Experience of using industrial catering equipment.
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 7.5 hours between 6am to 8pm daily, working on a rota, to include weekends (All weekends and Bank Holidays receive enhanced payments)
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.
Main duties of the job
MAIN DUTIES
Assisting with Patient meal service, requirements of the role to rotate in service areas to complete all workplace requirements surrounding patient feeding.
The cleaning of premises and equipment to correct standards of cleanliness and frequencies laid down in the cleaning schedules and departmental hygiene policies
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 standardized recipes.
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.
To complete training and utilize skills in all aspects of the job role as directed
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- 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
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Catering Assistant- RBTH with East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust in Blackburn, England. It is listed as a Band 2 Catering assistant role. The advertised salary is £25,272 per annum, pro rata. The contract type is Permanent: floating post, hours between 6am to 8pm daily over 5 days per week. The application deadline is 16 Sep 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 (02 Sep 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHSjob search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.
