Job overview
To Prepare and Cook food to a high standard for distribution to various areas throughout the hospital site, So that the results meet user expectations. To work to high standards of hygiene and presentation. To assist Supervisors and Managers to ensure all preparation areas and kitchen recourses, people, equipment and foodstuffs are used efficiently and cost effectively in providing the overall service
Main duties of the job
- To ensure specified menu items, recipes, and the correct quantity of food are available to meet patients, staff or end user requirement
- To ensure raw, chilled or cooked ingredients to specified requirements are distributed to patients, staff or end use requirements
- To perform preparation and cooking activities with due diligence and in a professional manner so the food maintains its nutritional value and is suitable consumption by the patient of customers.
- To assist in ensuring that preparation and kitchen equipment are effectively and efficiently maintained.
- To ensure the correct raw materials, foodstuffs are used in the preparation and cooking of food
- To ensure those stocks of raw materials, cook-chill and foodstuffs are rotated correctly so as to prevent the loss, damage or deterioration of these stocks.
- To assist in ensuring that operational costs are kept to a minimum but commensurate with the provision of services that meet customer requirements.
- To identify and assist with the implementation of cost savings wherever possible.
- To work in all areas of the kitchen under guidance and supervision
- To undertake any duties as may be required.
- Appearance on time for duty, in a clean and tidy uniform wearing the correct footwear. Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene.
- Assisting, where required, to serve customers at function.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- To ensure specified menu items, recipes, and the correct quantity of food are available to meet patients, staff or end user requirement
- To ensure raw, chilled or cooked ingredients to specified requirements are distributed to patients, staff or end use requirements.
- To perform preparation and cooking activities with due diligence and in a professional manner so the food maintains its nutritional value and is suitable consumption by the patient of customers.
- To assist in ensuring that preparation and kitchen equipment are effectively and efficiently maintained.
- To ensure the correct raw materials, foodstuffs are used in the preparation and cooking of food
- To ensure those stocks of raw materials, cook-chill and foodstuffs are rotated correctly so as to prevent the loss, damage or deterioration of these stocks.
- To ensure that the division policies, procedures and work practises are understood and implemented.
- To assist in ensuring that operational costs are kept to a minimum but commensurate with the provision of services that meet customer requirements.
- To identify and assist with the implementation of cost savings wherever possible.
- To visit wards from time to time with the Catering Manager
- To work in all areas of the kitchen under guidance and supervision
- To undertake any duties as may be required.
- Appearance on time for duty, in a clean and tidy uniform wearing the correct footwear. Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene.
- To attend any training or refresher courses as required
- Assisting, where required, to serve customers in the Restaurant and at functions
- Demonstrates duties to new starters.
- To observe departmental/Trust policies on Fire, Health & Safety at Work, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and Accident Reporting.
- To adhere strictly to correct food hygiene practices in accordance with departmental policy, Food Hygiene Regulations, Food Safety Act and local procedures.
- To participate in departmental HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) system, in conjunction with the Catering Manager, Head Chef and Deputy Head Chef
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
Essemtial
Essential
- City Guilds or equivalent qualification
Essential
Essential
- Food Hygiene Level 2 or above
- Food Allergen Trained
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Chef with Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Bedford. It is listed as a Band 3 Estates and facilities role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 pro rota. The contract type is Bank: Various shift patterns 5 days out of 7. 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.
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