Bank Chef

NHS; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The NHS is seeking a Chef for the Catering Department at Dorset County Hospital to prepare and deliver high-quality meals for patients and staff. You'll lead a team in adhering to food safety standards while fostering a supportive work environment. There are excellent opportunities for professional development and teamwork.

Benefits

Flexible working

Opportunities for training

Support from HR and Staff Union

Qualifications

• Understanding of dietary guidelines and medical conditions affecting diet.
• Experience in catering for large groups (3 years industry or 2 years college).
• Proficiency in preparing diverse dishes, including allergen-free options.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present meals per hospital menus, ensuring quality and nutrition.
• Assist in menu planning tailored to dietary needs.
• Maintain food safety regulations and oversee kitchen hygiene.

Skills

Dietary knowledge

Food safety standards

Culinary skills

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

NVQ Level 2

Food Safety Level 3

Advanced Food Hygiene

Job description

Job summary

The Catering Department at Dorset County Hospital is seeking a chef to join our team in the kitchen and deliver excellent service to patients, Staff, and Visitors. We pride ourselves on the high standards of our kitchens and food and hope you will be a key member of our growing team. We are looking for a chef who wants to use their skills and passion for food to help people and work in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Disclaimer: As a Bank Worker, the nature of your engagement will be seen as on a day-to-day basis. You are entitled to choose whether to accept engagements which will be offered to you. A statement does not constitute a contract of employment, nor is the Trust under any obligation to offer you any engagement or further engagement under these terms. The job description for this Bank role relates to the equivalent substantive position. Whilst engaged by the Trust you would be expected to operate within the requirements of the job description.

Please be aware that this role isnot CURRENTLY eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants should be aware of the requirement to independently obtain ongoing right to work in the UK beyond the expiry of any temporary or time-limited permissions. Evidence of this will need to be shared with the HR Team to ensure our records remain up to date.

Main duties of the job

As a Chef in the Catering Department, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, nutritious meals to patients, staff, and visitors while upholding strict food safety and hygiene standards.

Working as part of a dedicated team, you will prepare and present meals in line with dietary requirements and hospital protocols. You will oversee food preparation, hygiene, and safety across all catering areas, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

Food Preparation & Cooking: Prepare and cook meals following hospital menus, ensuring quality, taste, and presentation.

Menu Planning: Assist in developing seasonal menus tailored to patient dietary needs, balancing nutrition, taste, and budget.

Stock Management: Manage food supplies, ordering, storing, and rotating stock to minimise waste.

Food Safety & Hygiene: Maintain compliance with food safety regulations (HACCP) and ensure kitchen cleanliness.

Team Leadership: Mentor junior kitchen staff, providing training and support.

Meal Service Coordination: Work with the catering team to ensure timely meal delivery while maintaining quality.

Collaboration with Healthcare Staff: Partner with dietitians and nutritionists to meet patient dietary needs.

Customer Service: Ensure a positive dining experience, addressing special requests professionally.

This role is essential to delivering safe, nutritious meals and supporting patient care.

About us

At Dorset County Hospital, we are looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our dynamic catering team during an exciting period of transformation. As a valued team member, you will play a key role in driving change and ensuring the delivery of high-quality meals to our patients, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Our catering team is small yet incredibly supportive. We rely on each other to succeed, especially when working under pressure. As part of this team, you'll be encouraged to lead by example, motivating and inspiring your colleagues to deliver their best daily work.

The Trust is committed to supporting the development and success of every team member. We offer comprehensive support systems to help you reach your career goals, including guidance from HR, the Staff Union, and various well-being initiatives such as Vivup and Steps to Wellbeing.

Within the catering department, you'll find a diverse and welcoming group of individuals who treat each other like family. Our team thrives on collaboration, and we celebrate the unique qualities that each member brings to the table. We believe in positive encouragement, providing ample opportunities for personal growth and professional advancement to those who show dedication and commitment.

Details Date posted

04 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,625 to £25,674 a year Pro Rata Per Annum

Contract

Bank

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

405-25-EA278BANK-A

Job locations

Dorset County Hosital NHS Foundation Trust

Dorchester

DT1 2JY

Job description Job responsibilities

You will prepare freshly made dishes daily, and there will be many opportunities for career progression, training, and ongoing creative input. We have a large department, and work as part of a team reporting to the Hospitals Facilities management team. The successful candidate will be expected to guide and support our Catering Assistants to ensure the smooth operation of the catering department.

Please see the attached job description for full details on the main responsibilities of the role.

Job description Job responsibilities

You will prepare freshly made dishes daily, and there will be many opportunities for career progression, training, and ongoing creative input. We have a large department, and work as part of a team reporting to the Hospitals Facilities management team. The successful candidate will be expected to guide and support our Catering Assistants to ensure the smooth operation of the catering department.

Please see the attached job description for full details on the main responsibilities of the role.

Person Specification Knowledge & Experience Essential

• Dietary and Nutritional Knowledge: Understanding of hospital dietary guidelines and medical conditions affecting diet, such as diabetes, renal issues, or cardiovascular diseases. Awareness of allergen management and special diets (e.g., gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan).
• Food Safety and Regulatory Standards: Familiarity with food safety laws and certifications (e.g., Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 or 3). Knowledge of safe equipment usage and kitchen sanitation practices.
• Catering in Large-Scale Environments: Experience in cooking for large groups, ideally in healthcare, schools, or other institutional settings. 3 years in industry or 2 years college
• Inventory and Stock Management: Ability to manage kitchen supplies efficiently, minimizing waste while ensuring availability of key ingredients.
• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of operating commercial kitchen equipment like steamers, ovens, and food processors.
• Hospital/Healthcare Experience: Familiarity with healthcare environments or working alongside medical staff is a strong advantage

Education, Qualifications & Training Essential

• NVQ Level 2
• Food Safety Level 3
• Advanced Food Hygiene

Desirable

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience

Skills & Abilities Essential

• Culinary Skills: Proficiency in preparing a variety of dishes, including specialized dietary meals such as low-sodium, diabetic, and allergen-free options. Knowledge of portion control, plating standards, and food presentation.
• Menu Planning: Ability to create diverse menus that meet nutritional requirements and cater to specific patient needs
• Time Management: Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a high-demand environment. Capacity to manage multiple tasks and deliver meals within strict timeframes
• Food Safety and Hygiene: Adherence to HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles and hospital-specific hygiene standards. Proper handling, storage, and preparation of food to minimize contamination risks.
• Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication with dietitians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. A patient-focused attitude, ensuring meals meet both nutritional and individual preferences.
• Problem-Solving: Quick thinking to address last-minute changes to dietary requirements or supply issues.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with kitchen staff, assistants, and other hospital teams

Person Specification Knowledge & Experience Essential

• Dietary and Nutritional Knowledge: Understanding of hospital dietary guidelines and medical conditions affecting diet, such as diabetes, renal issues, or cardiovascular diseases. Awareness of allergen management and special diets (e.g., gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan).
• Food Safety and Regulatory Standards: Familiarity with food safety laws and certifications (e.g., Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 or 3). Knowledge of safe equipment usage and kitchen sanitation practices.
• Catering in Large-Scale Environments: Experience in cooking for large groups, ideally in healthcare, schools, or other institutional settings. 3 years in industry or 2 years college
• Inventory and Stock Management: Ability to manage kitchen supplies efficiently, minimizing waste while ensuring availability of key ingredients.
• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of operating commercial kitchen equipment like steamers, ovens, and food processors.
• Hospital/Healthcare Experience: Familiarity with healthcare environments or working alongside medical staff is a strong advantage

Education, Qualifications & Training Essential

• NVQ Level 2
• Food Safety Level 3
• Advanced Food Hygiene

Desirable

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience

Skills & Abilities Essential

• Culinary Skills: Proficiency in preparing a variety of dishes, including specialized dietary meals such as low-sodium, diabetic, and allergen-free options. Knowledge of portion control, plating standards, and food presentation.
• Menu Planning: Ability to create diverse menus that meet nutritional requirements and cater to specific patient needs
• Time Management: Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a high-demand environment. Capacity to manage multiple tasks and deliver meals within strict timeframes
• Food Safety and Hygiene: Adherence to HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles and hospital-specific hygiene standards. Proper handling, storage, and preparation of food to minimize contamination risks.
• Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication with dietitians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. A patient-focused attitude, ensuring meals meet both nutritional and individual preferences.
• Problem-Solving: Quick thinking to address last-minute changes to dietary requirements or supply issues.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with kitchen staff, assistants, and other hospital teams

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.

Employer details Employer name

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Dorset County Hosital NHS Foundation Trust

Dorchester

DT1 2JY

Employer's website

https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Dorset County Hosital NHS Foundation Trust

Dorchester

DT1 2JY

Employer's website

https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)