Job overview
To assist with the efficient operation and production of catering services provided to patients, staff and visitors to the Catering Services Department.
Main duties of the job
To support the wider catering team in provision of all catering services including covering and supporting other catering roles as required by the needs of the service.
The service of food in the restaurant, sandwich bar and patients plated meal service, including setting up and clearing down of service station.
Preparation of sandwiches, salads, fruit and beverages for the restaurant and hospitality/function services.
To serve and replenish food provided in the restaurant. Cash handling, till operation and to cash up as and when required.
To be responsible for general cleaning and deep cleaning of servery area.
Cleaning and deep cleaning duties as required on the plated meal service including patient’s crockery, cutlery, service utensils and all plated meal service areas.
Cleaning and deep cleaning duties required with the restaurant area including table cleaning, crockery, cutlery, and all areas of the restaurant. Supporting healthcare staff by providing information on the menus, including allergen and basic nutritional and dietary information, and escalating to the diet chef or dietitian or speech and language team as needed.
To ensure basic food hygiene standards are maintained and breeches are communicated appropriately and in a timely manner, in accordance with the departmental food safety documentation.
To record all provisions and meals supplied to patients and departments appropriately and to secure and rotate stock in accordance with department SOPs.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Further information about the Trust and this role can be found on the Job Description and Person Specification document attached.
Person specification
Other
Essential
- Flexibility in working hours may be required.
- Professional manner and organised approach
- Physically fit including ability to stand for long periods and work at a predetermined rate.
Skills & Ability
Essential
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
- Effective organisational skills and ability to manage time and prioritise work.
- Attention to detail
- A drive to improve and support positive change and continue own personal and professional development.
Experience & Knowledge
Essential
- Previous catering experience including basic food handling and preparation.
- Experience of working in a customer facing role
- Knowledge of COSHH, Health and Safety and Food safety including allergen information or willingness to learn and undertake supplementary training.
- In depth knowledge of food allergens or a willingness to learn.
Desirable
- Experience of working in an NHS catering environment
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- Good standard of education or equivalent experience – equivalent to GCSE at grades 4-9, A-C, NVQ level 2 or equivalent experience
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate or willingness to undertake
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health or willingness to undertake
Desirable
- Level 2 Certificate in Cleaning Knowledge and Skills
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Catering Assistant with Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Royal Hampshire and County 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 31 Aug 2026.
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