Catering Assistant

NHS; Runcorn; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Runcorn is seeking a Catering Assistant to deliver meal services to patients and staff, ensuring cleanliness and hygiene standards are met. Candidates should have experience in catering, excellent communication skills, and be able to work as part of a team. Flexibility and physical fitness are essential. The role offers training for the right candidate and involves knowledge of food safety and serving. The closing date for applications is 01 February 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in a large-scale catering environment.
• Willingness to work the till is desirable.
• Must maintain a clean and tidy appearance.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a meal service to patients and staff.
• Carry out dishwashing duties and clean kitchen areas.
• Serve staff and visitors in the Dining Room.

Skills

Experience in a Catering Environment

Excellent customer care skills

Able to work as a team player

Effective communication skills

Ability to work on own initiative

Level 2 Food Safety

Education

NVQ in catering or working towards one

Job description

Overview

Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Catering Assistant Band 2 within the Catering Department at Halton Hospital on an as and when basis. The closing date is 01 February 2026.

The successful candidate should have experience in a large-scale catering environment and excellent communication skills. A willingness to work the till is desirable. The ability to work to a high standard is essential. Enthusiasm and flexibility are required, and a good knowledge of food hygiene is essential. Training will be given to the right candidate.

Main duties of the job

The postholder will be responsible for serving patients their Lunch/Evening meal by bulk delivery system. To carry out dishwashing duties, cleaning of equipment and cleaning the kitchen and associated areas. Serving staff and visitors in the Dining Room. Kitchen porter responsibilities are to check in deliveries, cleaning all equipment and floors in the kitchen.

About us

Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a caring and compassionate organisation that is both ambitious and innovative. We are committed to delivering the best outcomes for our patients and providing a positive experience of our staff. We aspire to be outstanding for our patients, our communities and our staff and are committed to being a great place to receive healthcare, work and learn.

Straddling the neighbouring boroughs of Warrington and Halton we are part of the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care system. Our hospitals are ideally situated to meet the growing healthcare needs of the 330,000 population of these boroughs.

Warrington Hospital is home to our emergency, critical care and maternity services, Halton Hospital is focused on elective procedures and the Runcorn Urgent Treatment Centre, although many services are offered at both sites and in community hubs.

A CQC-rated 'good' organisation with 'outstanding' features, we are working towards university hospital status, having achieved teaching hospital status in 2019.

We employ nearly 5,000 people from over 80 nationalities, striving to be a diverse, inclusive employer and recognised leader in equality. We support flexible working, welcoming flexible applications. Proud of our many accreditations, we are embedding an anti-racist approach in all we do.

Job responsibilities

To deliver a meal service to patients and staff, either by a plated or bulk delivery system. To carry out dishwashing duties, cleaning of equipment and cleaning of the kitchen and associated areas.

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION ATTACHED

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience in a Catering Environment

Skills, knowledge and competencies

• Able to work as a team player
• Excellent customer care skills
• Must be able to work on own initiative, prioritizing tasks.

Specific role requirements

• Due to the nature of the role must be physically fit
• Flexible and reliable
• Be an effective communicator
• Maintain a clean and tidy appearance
• Must be able to use a computer
• Level 2 Food Safety
• Be aware of HACCAP and COSHH
• Have an NVQ in catering or working towards one.
• Be able to use a cash register and card machine

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 name

Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHSFT