Bank Cook

NHS National Services Scotland; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a Bank Cook for East Ayrshire Community Hospital. The role involves planning meals, ensuring they meet nutritional requirements, and supervising kitchen assistants. Candidates should possess an NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Catering and relevant experience in a healthcare or large-scale catering environment is preferable. This position demands attention to food safety standards and efficient meal preparation practices. It provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to patient care within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in a healthcare or large-scale catering environment is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plan meals and menus in collaboration with catering managers.
• Prepare and cook food using appropriate kitchen equipment.
• Ensure meals meet medical and cultural requirements.
• Supervise kitchen assistants and support staff.
• Minimize food waste through efficient preparation.

Skills

Meal planning

Food safety standards

Supervisory skills

Education

NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Catering

Job description

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Who we are:

NHS Ayrshire and Arran is one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland.

Our purpose:

Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran.

Our values:

• Caring, safe, respectful

To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please click here.

Position

An opportunity has arisen for a Bank Cook based at East Ayrshire Community Hospital, Ayr Road, Cumnock.

What will you do:

• Plan meals and menus in collaboration with catering managers and dietitians. Prepare and cook food using appropriate kitchen equipment (e.g., mixers, ovens).
• Ensure meals meet medical, nutritional, and cultural requirements (e.g., gluten‑free, halal, vegetarian). Monitor and record food temperatures and hygiene standards.
• Supervise kitchen assistants and support staff.
• Minimize food waste through efficient preparation and portioning.
• Assist with the regeneration of patient meals.
• Prepare and deliver ward stores and supplies.
• Occasionally support in serving meals in staff canteen.

All preferred candidates must attend a Corporate Induction program before commencement of employment, and thereafter ongoing program of Mandatory & Statutory training.

Knowledge, training and/or experience required to do the job:

NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Catering or equivalent qualification.

Relevant experience in a healthcare or large‑scale catering environment is desirable.

Shift Pattern

AAWR - Monday - Sunday

If you want to find out more about the role, please contact Elizabeth Collins, Facilities Manager on 07815645158.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR OVERSEAS CANDIDATES

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigration Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack.

It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored BEFORE submitting your application form.

The Recruitment Team are unable to answer individual queries at application stage about this, please visit here for further information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ALL CANDIDATES

You should apply for this post by completing the application process on JobTrain.

• DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for shortlisting purposes.
• Posts close at midnight on the indicated date. Late applications will not be accepted.
• For help to complete an application on JobTrain, please follow this link: https://www.careers.nhs.scot/how-to-apply/application-process/
• To view our accessibility statement, please follow this link: https://www.eess.nhs.scot/jobtrain-accessibility-statement/
• Please note that our correspondence method is by email, therefore please ensure you enter your email address accurately.
• Please check your email regularly (including junk folders) and also your JobTrain account for updates.
• Please contact JobTrain Candidate Support Hub: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home - for advice and support with any system issues.
• We recommend using the Internet Browser “Google Chrome” or “Microsoft Edge” when using JobTrain.
• Once you have submitted your application form you will be unable to make any amendments.
• Some of our vacancies are for internal candidates only. If you are a staff member, please ensure you update your JobTrain profile to reflect that you are employed by NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
• Please note, for all vacancies where a driving licence is required this must be a full UK/EU/EEA licence.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran has a legal obligation to ensure that it does not employ any worker who has not been granted the relevant permission to work in the UK. This permission is, without exception, granted by UK Visas and Immigration. We are required to check the entitlement to work in the UK of all prospective employees, regardless of nationality or job category. Candidates who require a Certificate of Sponsorship can access further information at www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for bank contracts.