Catering Assistant

NHS Ayrshire & Arran; Ayr; On-site; GBP 6,800 - 8,000; Part time

Job summary

NHS Ayrshire and Arran invites applications for a permanent Catering Assistant based at University Hospital Ayr. This part-time role is 14.25 hours per week, with rotating shifts to support patient meals in a busy production kitchen.

You will assist with food preparation, meal service, distribution, wash-up and cleaning to maintain food safety and service quality. Previous catering experience is helpful; a Food Hygiene certificate is desirable but training will be provided.

Qualifications

• Good communication skills and flexible approach essential in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Experience in catering or food service is advantageous; training provided.

Responsibilities

• Assist with food preparation and meal service for patients.
• Distribute meals to wards and patients in a timely manner.
• Wash-up duties and cleaning of meal delivery trolleys.
• Maintain food safety standards and hygiene in the kitchen.

Skills

Communication skills

Flexibility

Teamwork

Education

Food hygiene certificate desirable

Job description

NHS Scotland

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 are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland.

In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.

To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website - NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Home (nhsaaa.net)

AI tools usage guidelines

AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application—but your answers must be your own.

• Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
• Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
• Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you—not an AI tool.

Position

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Catering Assistant based at University Hospital Ayr. This post is offered on a permanent basis.

Hours

14.25 hours per week.

Week 1: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 15:30-19:00

Week 2: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 15:30-19:00.

What You Will Do

As part of the Catering Production and Services Team, you will support the delivery of high-quality catering services by assisting with food preparation, meal service, distribution, wash-up duties, and cleaning activities for patients, staff, visitors, and hospitality functions. This post is based within a busy production kitchen environment, with the majority of duties focussed on the patient meal service area, ensuring the timely delivery of patient meals. Experience of working in a largescale catering environment would be advantageous. This post is based within a busy patient meal service environment. The primary duties involve supporting the plating and distribution of patient meals, cleaning meal delivery trolleys following breakfast and lunch services, and resetting equipment and work areas in preparation for the next meal service. The role is essential to maintaining food safety standards, operational efficiency, and the timely delivery of patient meals. Experience of working within a large-scale catering environment would be advantageous.

Knowledge, Training And/or Experience Required For This Post

This post is predominantly based within the kitchen pot wash area, a vital function within the Catering Production Team. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the timely cleaning and sanitising of catering equipment, utensils, crockery, and food production items to support the safe and efficient operation of the kitchen. You will work as part of a busy team and should have good communication skills, a flexible approach, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Previous experience in a catering or food service setting would be advantageous, although full training will be provided. A current Food Hygiene Certificate is desirable; however, successful candidates who do not hold this qualification will be required to complete food hygiene training within the first three months of employment. All successful candidates will be required to attend the NHS Ayrshire & Arran Corporate Induction Programme and complete all mandatory and statutory training requirements

Right to Work / Certificates of Sponsorship

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 Immigrations 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.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran may be able to offer visa sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. When considering if a post meets the salary threshold for sponsorship, please note the salary advertised is based on a full-time contract and must be pro-rated for part-time positions.

Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre-employment checks.

Please visit here for further information.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for bank contracts.

If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact Wendy Bone, Deputy Catering Manager- 01292 614521.