Assistant Chef

NHS Orkney; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Orkney seeks an Assistant Cook to join the Catering Team at The Balfour. The role involves food preparation and production for a high-quality meal service, catering for both patients and the public. Candidates should possess necessary hygiene certificates and relevant cooking qualifications.

Benefits

Distant Islands Allowance

Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts at local and national retailers

Qualifications

• Experience in a catering environment required.
• Must hold a relevant Food Hygiene Certificate.
• SVQ 3 or equivalent in Professional Cookery needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist in all aspects of food preparation and production.
• Support kitchen operations under the direction of Supervisor Chef.
• Assist in providing high-quality meal service for patients and public.

Skills

Food Preparation

Teamwork

Education

Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate

SVQ 3 in Professional Cookery

Job description

As Scotland’s smallest health board, NHS Orkney is driven by a bold vision: looking after our community and providing excellent care. Whether you’re starting your NHS journey or bringing expertise from another NHS employer, your skills will make a real difference to the health and lives of Orkney’s 22,000 residents.

Our state-of-the-art healthcare facility, The Balfour, opened in 2019 and is home to modern inpatient wards, an emergency department, outpatient clinics, diagnostics, GP practices, and the Scottish Ambulance Service. Collaboration thrives here, ensuring exceptional care for every patient. Beyond our main facility, we’re investing in our outer isles, enhancing services, and transforming patient care across our islands.

About Orkney:

Orkney itself is nothing short of magical. With over 70 islands (20 inhabited), this breathtaking destination offers stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and vibrant cultural and sporting activities. Recognised as one of the UK’s best places to live, Orkney promises a lifestyle like no other.

The Post:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Cook to work within the Catering Team at The Balfour to provide assistance in all aspects of food preparation and production.

The Catering Service provides a high-quality patient meal service to the Balfour, providing 3 meals per day for up to 43 patients. A public restaurant service is also provided for staff and members of the public, serving upwards of 250-300 meals per day. The successful candidate will work as part of a small team, providing a high standard of kitchen support under the direction of the Supervisor Chef and Catering Team Lead.

The Candidate:

It is expected that the postholder will possess an Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate, SVQ 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent and have experience working in a catering environment.

Location, Working Pattern and Contract Duration:

This post will be based atThe Balfour

The successful candidate will work:37 hours per week (Monday – Friday with occasionally weekend work)

This post is on aPermanent Basis

It is a condition of this employment that you must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post in which you will be employed with NHS Orkney.

Benefits and Salary:

Did you know NHS Scotland salaries are higher than those in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland?

The salary for this post is on aBand 3 £28,011 - £30,230and if residing on Orkney, you’ll also receive a Distant Islands Allowance of £1,587 pro rata per year, adding extra value to your rewarding career with us.

NHS Orkney also offers an attractive pension scheme, wide range of work life balance policies, employee assistance programme and various discounts to both local and national retailers.

Further Information:

If you share our vision and are ready to be part of Team Orkney, we’d love to hear from you. Your rewarding career starts here!

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any during your application. If there are additional requirements you would like to request, please [e-mail]

To find out more about this opportunity please contact Danny McCaig, Catering Manager at:[e-mail]

Interview Date: Monday 21st of July 2025

To apply please click theApply Nowlink below.