East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust logo

Catering Assistant- RBTH


Location
Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital
Salary
£25,272 per annum, pro rata
Profession
Estates and facilities
Grade
Band 2
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
Contract Type
Permanent
Posted Date
18 Aug 2026
Medical Protection — the side of locally employed doctors from £83

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 full time hours a week, working on a rota, hours between 6am to 8pm daily, 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 services, retail service and general cleaning duties, 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.

Person specification

Other skills

Essential

  • Ability to keep information confidential.

Qualifications/experience

Essential

  • Good literacy and numerical skills for the ordering of meals, cash handling and ordering of stock items
  • Ability to use own initiative and work without close supervision and also to work as part of a team
  • 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

Desirable

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

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Applying for this NHS job

This advert is for Catering Assistant- RBTH with East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust in Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital. It is listed as a Band 2 Estates and facilities role. The advertised salary is £25,272 per annum, pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 01 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 (18 Aug 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.

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.