Multi Skilled Operative

Job overview

Two roles available, please see below shift patterns for each position

Position 1

Wednesday (09:30 – 17:30) and Thursday (11:15 – 19:15) - 15 hours per week

Position 2

Wednesday (14.45 – 19.15) Thursday (11:15 – 19:15) Friday (11.30 – 16.00) - 16.5 hours per week

The Multi-Skilled Catering Operative plays a key role in delivering a safe, efficient, and high-quality catering service for patients, staff, and visitors. Working as part of the Catering Services team, the post holder will support food preparation, service, cleaning, and hygiene duties across multiple catering areas, ensuring compliance with food safety standards and Trust policies.

The role requires flexibility, a strong focus on customer care, and a commitment to maintaining high standards in a busy healthcare environment. Full training and support will be provided.

Salary may be subject to enhancements following NHS Agenda for Change terms and conditions.

Main duties of the job

• Prepare, portion, and serve food and beverages in line with agreed menus and dietary requirements.
• Provide a friendly, professional, and empathetic service to patients, staff, and visitors.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and safety in accordance with food safety legislation, HACCP, and Trust policies.
• Carry out routine cleaning of catering areas, equipment, and utensils to required standards.
• Complete all food safety, temperature, and cleaning records accurately and in a timely manner.
• Support patients with menu choices where required, being mindful of allergens, special diets, and cultural needs.
• Assist with stock control, including checking deliveries, stock rotation, storage, and replenishment.
• Use catering equipment safely and report any faults, hazards, or shortages promptly.
• Work flexibly across different catering areas and shifts to meet service needs, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Work effectively as part of the Catering Services team and support colleagues as required.
• Attend mandatory training and actively participate in induction and ongoing development.
• Comply with all Trust policies, including Health & Safety, Infection Prevention and Control, and Equality & Diversity.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Multi-Skilled Catering Operative is responsible for supporting the delivery of a safe, efficient, and high-quality catering service for patients, staff, and visitors. The post holder will work flexibly across catering functions, contributing to food preparation, service delivery, cleaning, and hygiene standards, while ensuring compliance with all relevant food safety legislation and Trust policies.

The role requires a customer-focused approach, strong teamwork, and the ability to work in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Food Preparation and Service

• Assist with the preparation, portioning, and service of hot and cold food and beverages in line with agreed menus, recipes, and portion controls.
• Serve food to patients, staff, and visitors in a professional, friendly, and empathetic manner at all times.
• Ensure food is presented attractively and served at the correct temperature.
• Support patients with menu choices where required, escalating concerns or queries appropriately.

Food Safety, Hygiene, and Compliance

• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness in accordance with food safety legislation, HACCP principles, and Trust procedures.
• Carry out routine and deep-cleaning duties of catering areas, equipment, and utensils as required.
• Accurately complete all food safety, temperature monitoring, allergen, and cleaning records in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate awareness of allergens, special diets, cultural requirements, and food intolerance needs at all times.

Stock Control and Equipment

• Assist with the receipt, storage, rotation, and replenishment of food and non-food supplies in line with stock control procedures.
• Check deliveries for accuracy, quality, and temperature, reporting discrepancies promptly.
• Use catering equipment safely and in accordance with training and manufacturer instructions.
• Report equipment faults, maintenance issues, or health and safety concerns to the line manager without delay.

Driving Duties

• Undertake driving duties as required, including the delivery or collection of food, equipment, or supplies between Trust sites.
• Ensure all driving activities are carried out in accordance with Trust policies, road safety legislation, and licence requirements.

Teamworking and Flexibility

• Work collaboratively as part of the Catering Services team to ensure continuity of service.
• Be flexible and adaptable, working across different catering areas, shifts, and locations as required by the service, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Provide cover for colleagues where appropriate to maintain service delivery.

Training, Development, and Professional Conduct

• Attend and complete all mandatory Trust training, including food hygiene and health and safety.
• Participate fully in induction, supervision, and ongoing development opportunities.
• Act at all times in a manner that reflects Trust values, maintaining confidentiality, dignity, and respect.
• Comply with all Trust policies, including Health & Safety, Infection Prevention and Control, Equality & Diversity, and Lone Working

For full role and responsibilities please refer to attached job description.