Job requirements
Requirements from the employer’s person specification. These describe the role, not your personal match.
Essential
7 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Skills
Ability to prioritise and organise kitchen work
- Knowledge
Knowledge of and ability to prepare special diets, for example, gluten free
- Knowledge
Knowledge of food allergies
- Experience
Knowledge of Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Point (HACCP) documentation for temperatures of food, fridge freezer, cleaning processes in the kitchen
- Experience
Relevant experience of working in a similar food preparation environment
- Experience
Preparing/ altering menus/ costings
- Qualification
QCF Level 3 in food preparation or above, or able to demonstrate knowledge within this field through practical experience
Desirable
4 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Skills
Stock management and ordering skills
- Knowledge
Knowledge of dysphagia
- Experience
Experience of working within an NHS catering environment
- Qualification
Food Safety & Hygiene Level 3
Job overview
1 X Chef Band 4
ATTRACTIVE ENHANCEMENT PAY FOR WEEKEND WORK
- hours per week (Monday to Sunday 6.00am - 14.00pm or 11.00am-19.00pm)
The Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is an expert surgical Trust, specialising in Plastic Surgery, Maxillofacial Surgery and Burns.
The main purpose of the job is to provide assistance to the Head Chef and Assistant Chef and support the smooth running of the Main and Ward Kitchens. To prepare meals for patients, staff and visitors. Maintain a clean and hygienic environment in line with HACCP. Complete all compliance documentation on a daily basis. Assist to maintain the 5-Star Food Safety Hygiene Rating.
Working as part of the Catering Team you would work hard to maintain our high standards of cleanliness and customer service. Experience in a similar role would be desirable but enthusiasm and experience of working in a team are equally important.
You would enjoy a range of NHS benefits including a fantastic annual leave benefits and pension scheme. The Trust is committed to continued personal development.
Main duties of the job
To be responsible for preparation and cooking of all food requirements which meet expectations in terms of quality and value for money within current legislation (HACCPS) day to day operation of catering service, including special and ethnic diets
Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude and deal with any comments or feedback with necessary actions to maintain food safety and hygiene provisions
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached Job description
- To ensure the highest standards in food produced, service and delivery are maintained at all times
- To ensure all food items are stored correctly ensuring good stock rotation and temperature control
- To maintain a high standard of cleaning in all areas in accordance with the departmental cleaning procedures
- Maintain due diligence in all work procedures and practices throughout, for example, the preparation, cooking, service and storage stages through temperature control, high standards of personal hygiene, monitoring forms along with a clear understanding of HACCP and COSHH. Ensure all HACCP documentation is completed by the catering assistants and checked on a daily basis. This is important to ensure that the Trust achieves the highest star rating for food hygiene. Assist in the Environment Health Officer Audits to demonstrate compliance.
- Ensure that all activities required for the preparation and distribution of food to patients, staff and visitors is met to standards expected
- Deal with patient, staff and visitor queries and complaints escalate to The Head Chef and Assistant chef as necessary
- Ability to display moderate effort for short periods of time when moving and handling catering equipment
- Ensure compliance with the Safety Management System when using machinery. Report any Health and Safety related issues to the Head of Facilities.
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 Chef with Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in East Grinstead, England. It is listed as a Band 4 Chef role. The advertised salary is £28,392 - £31,157 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 15 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 (01 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.
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