Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Catering Assistant

The closing date is 29 May 2025

Job summary

We are looking to recruit friendly individuals who will demonstrate a caring and compassionate approach to work, primarily in our private patients' ward. You will be involved in all aspects of the food and beverage service to patients, undertaking the preparation for the service of breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Other areas of work may include the delivery of function food to all areas of the hospital and assisting in retail areas when required. You will have varied responsibilities, and therefore, a positive and cheerful attitude is a must, along with a drive to improve the patient experience.

These are all challenging but rewarding jobs and would be ideally suited to motivated team players. Previous experience within a busy catering environment would be beneficial (but not essential). A Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Catering is essential.

Main duties of the job

  • To deliver a high-quality, efficient catering service on hospital wards, consistently upholding the highest standards of food safety and customer service.

  • To provide meals, beverages, and general catering support to all patients, ensuring service is delivered according to the set menu and scheduled times.

  • To prepare and serve a variety of foods as outlined in the ward menus, following guidelines for portion control, presentation, and accurate service documentation.

  • To support the availability and readiness of all food, beverages, utensils, and necessary items required for mealtime service.

  • To maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards by thoroughly cleaning catering equipment and utensils in line with the cleaning schedule, ensuring a safe and sanitary environment.

  • To present a friendly, professional demeanour to all patients and service users, offering accurate information and guidance on menu options when needed.

About us

The atmosphere at Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust is warm, inclusive, and patient-focused. Our staff members work collaboratively across various departments to deliver the highest standard of care, ensuring patients feel valued and supported throughout their journey. The hospital's environment is one where innovation thrives and where your contributions are appreciated and celebrated. Whether you're working directly with patients or in a behind-the-scenes role, you'll find a culture of mutual respect, teamwork, and compassion.

The work ethic at Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust is driven by a passion for excellence in healthcare. We are committed to maintaining high standards of care, professionalism, and accountability in all aspects of our work.

Working at Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust means being part of a prestigious healthcare institution that truly values its staff. With a culture centred on care, respect, and collaboration, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference while enjoying a fulfilling career.

Details

Date posted

15 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£29,583 a year per annum inc (pro rata)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

196-ESS1555-Y

Job locations

Royal Brompton Hospital

Sydney Street

London

SW3 6NP


Job description

Job responsibilities

  • Assist in the preparation of food and beverages for patients, staff, and visitors in accordance with the hospitals menu and dietary requirements.

  • Serve meals and drinks to patients, ensuring portion control and presentation meet the hospitals standards.

  • Ensure food is served at the appropriate temperature and on time.

  • Follow the prescribed menu and ensure that meals are provided according to patient preferences and medical instructions.

  • Ensure any substitutions or special requests are accommodated efficiently, communicating any changes or issues to the senior catering staff.

  • Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene within the kitchen and dining areas by following food safety protocols and the cleaning schedule.

  • Ensure all kitchen and catering utensils, equipment, and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after use.

  • Follow guidelines for food storage, keeping the kitchen and pantry areas organized and in compliance with health and safety regulations.

  • Provide friendly and efficient service to patients, staff, and visitors, responding to questions about the menu and food offerings.

  • Communicate effectively with patients to ensure their dietary needs and preferences are met.

  • Address any concerns or complaints in a professional and courteous manner, referring issues to senior staff when necessary.

  • Adhere to all health and safety regulations to prevent accidents and injuries within the catering environment.

  • Be familiar with and implement food safety practices in line with legislation and hospital policies.

  • Ensure safe handling and storage of food, preventing contamination and maintaining food quality.

  • Accurately complete required records such as food temperature logs, stock inventories, and cleaning schedules.

  • Report any food safety or hygiene concerns promptly to management.

Job description

Job responsibilities

  • Assist in the preparation of food and beverages for patients, staff, and visitors in accordance with the hospitals menu and dietary requirements.

  • Serve meals and drinks to patients, ensuring portion control and presentation meet the hospitals standards.

  • Ensure food is served at the appropriate temperature and on time.

  • Follow the prescribed menu and ensure that meals are provided according to patient preferences and medical instructions.

  • Ensure any substitutions or special requests are accommodated efficiently, communicating any changes or issues to the senior catering staff.

  • Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene within the kitchen and dining areas by following food safety protocols and the cleaning schedule.

  • Ensure all kitchen and catering utensils, equipment, and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after use.

  • Follow guidelines for food storage, keeping the kitchen and pantry areas organized and in compliance with health and safety regulations.

  • Provide friendly and efficient service to patients, staff, and visitors, responding to questions about the menu and food offerings.

  • Communicate effectively with patients to ensure their dietary needs and preferences are met.

  • Address any concerns or complaints in a professional and courteous manner, referring issues to senior staff when necessary.

  • Adhere to all health and safety regulations to prevent accidents and injuries within the catering environment.

  • Be familiar with and implement food safety practices in line with legislation and hospital policies.

  • Ensure safe handling and storage of food, preventing contamination and maintaining food quality.

  • Accurately complete required records such as food temperature logs, stock inventories, and cleaning schedules.

  • Report any food safety or hygiene concerns promptly to management.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE grades A-C in English and Mats
  • NVQ -Customer Services Certificate

Desirable

  • NVQ in basic Catering skills

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

  • Experience of working restaurant/cafeteria/ ward environment
  • Knowledge of Health and Safety, Food Safety rules and regulations

Desirable

  • Previous experience NHS catering services

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Able to maintain set standards for a high level of food services
  • Ability to prioritize work and manage the day-to-day service

Desirable

  • Excellent people skills and be a team player
Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE grades A-C in English and Mats
  • NVQ -Customer Services Certificate

Desirable

  • NVQ in basic Catering skills

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

  • Experience of working restaurant/cafeteria/ ward environment
  • Knowledge of Health and Safety, Food Safety rules and regulations

Desirable

  • Previous experience NHS catering services

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Able to maintain set standards for a high level of food services
  • Ability to prioritize work and manage the day-to-day service

Desirable

  • Excellent people skills and be a team player

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Brompton Hospital

Sydney Street

London

SW3 6NP


Employer's website

https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/careers/careers.aspx (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Brompton Hospital

Sydney Street

London

SW3 6NP


Employer's website

https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/careers/careers.aspx (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Catering Services manager

Nuno Matias

n.matias@rbht.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

15 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£29,583 a year per annum inc (pro rata)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

196-ESS1555-Y

Job locations

Royal Brompton Hospital

Sydney Street

London

SW3 6NP


Supporting documents

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