Bank Catering Assistant | Northumbria Healthcare - NHCT Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Northumbria Healthcare Nhs Foundation Trust; Hexham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a Catering Assistant to prepare and serve food to patients and staff. The role requires excellent communication skills and knowledge of food hygiene, with flexible working hours and competitive pay rates. Join a supportive team that prioritizes high standards of care and offers opportunities for training and advancement.

Benefits

Paid annual leave

Pension scheme

Discounts available to NHS staff

Free uniform where applicable

Access to Staff Wellbeing Team services

Qualifications

• Experience in food preparation and service is preferred.
• Understanding of HACCP guidelines.
• Must be able to work at least two shifts per month.

Responsibilities

• Prepare foodstuffs and clean equipment within the Catering Department.
• Serve food to patients, visitors, and staff.
• Maintain cleanliness and compliance with Food Hygiene Policy.
• Operate the central dish wash area and manage dining room cash register.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Food Hygiene knowledge

Ability to work flexible hours

Teamwork

Job description

Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management (NHFM) provides specialist project management, estates maintenance and a full range of facilities services. NHFM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The successful applicant will be an employee of the subsidiary and not the NHS. The role of the Catering Assistant is to prepare foodstuffs, clean equipment and areas within the Catering Department, and serve food to patients in wards, visitors and staff in the dining room. You will support high standards of care, embrace our trust values and demonstrate excellent communication skills.

Work schedule is flexible with a minimum of two shifts per month, across 7 days a week. Standard hourly pay is £12.51, with enhanced rates for night and weekend shifts: £17.63 per hour on Saturdays, £22.90 on Sundays and public holidays.

NHFM covers a large geographical area, providing safe and high‑quality care in both hospital and community settings. Our staff bank offers 24/7 service support, giving you the flexibility to choose your hours and balance commitments such as childcare or study. You are required to work at least two shifts per month, though more is welcome. All DBS certificates must be paid for by the employee, deducted from monthly pay.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operating the central dish wash area, receiving, checking for quality and temperature, and ensuring correct storage according to HACCP.
• Preparing vegetables, fruits, salads, meals and catering items.
• Serving food in ward areas, the dining room and associated areas.
• Operating the staff dining room cash register and managing vending machines.
• Maintaining cleanliness of premises and equipment to required standards.
• Ensuring compliance with the Food Hygiene Policy and the Codes of Practice, and working safely in line with Health and Safety procedures.
• Participating in training programmes relevant to efficiency, hygiene and safety.
• Covering for holidays and sickness, and working across all areas of the Catering Department.

Benefits include:

• Flexible hours; choose when and where you want to work.
• Competitive pay rates with enhanced rates for unsociable hours.
• Paid annual leave and pension scheme.
• Fast‑track recruitment process if you move to a substantive role.
• Opportunities to work in different wards and departments, including community, dental and specialist services.
• Access to Staff Wellbeing Team services.
• Online portal for booking shifts from home and block‑booking shifts.
• SMS notifications of shift availability.
• Staff newsletters and bulletins.
• Discounts available to NHS staff.
• Free uniform where applicable.

To find out more about the benefits of working on the bank visit our website: www.yournorthumbriacareer.co.uk/staff-bank.