Catering Assistant

Job summary

CDDFT are one of the largest integrated care providers in England serving a population of around 650,000 people. Acute hospital services are provided at Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham and Bishop Auckland Hospital is a centre for planned care. Community services are provided from six community hospitals alongside eighty other community based locations.

Synchronicity Care Limited (SCL) /CDD Services are a wholly owned subsidiary company of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT). SCL/CDD Services provides a range of non-clinical Estates, Facilities and Procurement services to CDDFT.

Main duties of the job

Summary of the Role:

The Catering Assistant role is to support both regeneration chefs and other catering assistants in the provision of a highly professional catering service within the retail services at Darlington Memorial Hospital both within the Retail restaurant and Coffee Shop.

This role would be expected to follow the duties laid out by the Retail Service Supervisor/Manager in the day to day retail services to both staff and visitor and to ensure that a high quality and cost effective service at all times in a courteous manner.

About us

Where available, visa sponsorship is subject to the role meeting the Home Office Skilled Worker eligibility requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, the role being eligible for sponsorship and meeting the applicable salary threshold and other immigration requirements. Eligibility for sponsorship will be assessed in line with current Home Office guidance.

This is a legal and regulatory requirement, and we cannot proceed with sponsorship until UKVI has completed the approval process.

We regret any inconvenience this causes. Our decision is based solely on our current regulatory position and is not related to your suitability for the role or any personal characteristic.

SCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) set up to deliver a range of non-clinical services The company is separate legal body to CDDFT.

SCL offers its own Terms and Conditions of employment which differ to the national NHS Terms and Conditions. As an employee in the company you will benefit from:

• A Competitive salary
• Access to a pension scheme - National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) CDD Services will pay a 3% contribution (this is over and above the minimum contribution rate at the present time)
• Night Shift Working Allowances (where appropriate)
• Bank Holiday Working Allowances (where appropriate)

Bank work is offered on an 'as and when' basis with no guaranteed hours and will be paid on a pro-rata hourly rate for hours worked only

Details

• Date posted: 12 August 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £24,852 a year pro rata, per annum
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Part-time
• Reference number: M9439-SCL177
• Job locations: Darlington Memorial Hospital, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, DL3 6HX, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

To work under the direction of the Retail Services Supervisor/Manager and assist in the preparation of nutritious and appetizing meals and snacks for staff and visitors, according to planned menu using specified recipes, methods and systems for cook chill catering to the highest possible standards nutritional, temperature, quality, presentation, hygiene and safety and allergen regulations

To be involved in the preparation of all retail and buffet products, adhering strictly to standard recipes, methods and production planning adhered to.

Ensure high standards of food quality from point of purchase to meal preparation, cooking and service, ensuring quality control process throughout.

To operate the electronic tills and the handling of cash

To work within the coffee shop outlet after full training with the barista style machines

To assist in temperature monitoring and recording of all produced meals/foodstuffs and food storage equipment in accordance with standards as laid down in the Catering Departments Policies and Procedures and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points(HACCP)

Assist with receipt, quality assurance and stock control of goods received into the retail stores. Correct storage and security of goods, adhering to stock rotation practices in accordance with HACCP.

Assist in Hygiene Audits and Cleaning Schedules inspections for your area of work is completed weekly, liaising with the Retail Supervisor to ensure that any remedial work is carried out.

To assist in the general cleaning of crockery and kitchen utensils using the dishwashing machine and by hand when required.

To comply with cleaning schedules as specified

To display a high standard of personal hygiene

Communication

Co-operating with other members of the Catering Team to maintain and improve the present high standard of food service, for staff and visitors

To deal effectively and courteously with colleagues, patients and staff throughout the organisation and members of the public and to deal with customer complaints and concerns with a high level of customer service and passing these onto your supervisor to deal with or for information

Human Resource Management

Attend all relevant training for specified role

Completion of Level 2 Food Safety before commencement

Attend staff appraisals and performance reviews, ensuring that you have input in your personal development plans to maximise your potential to meet the department and Trusts aims and objectives.

To ensure that policies and procedures are followed and adhered to.