Chef

Integrated Care System; Poole; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking an experienced Chef to support catering services at Alderney Hospital. The role involves working flexibly across early or late shifts, leading a team, and ensuring high standards of food hygiene and safety. Candidates should possess relevant qualifications and demonstrate an ability to work in a busy kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Educated to NVQ level 3 or equivalent in food hygiene practices.
• Understanding of health and safety procedures, HACCP, COSHH.
• Proven ability to motivate and manage a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of catering staff to provide high-standard services.
• Demonstrate supervisory experience and ability to deputise for the Senior Chef.
• Deliver outstanding food service at Alderney Hospital.

Skills

Food hygiene practices

Menu planning

Experience in supervisory role

Education

NVQ level 3 or City and Guilds

Job description

Go back Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Chef

The closing date is 15 July 2025

Experienced Chef required Monday to Friday. 37.5 hours per week, working early or late shifts, between 6am to 5pm.

Working in one of Dorset Healthcare Community Hospitals, delivering outstanding care and food, we are looking for a team player to support our food service at Alderney Hospital, need to have a full clean driving licence.

We are seeking applications from qualified, experienced chefs who can demonstrate practical experience and knowledge of allergens and nutritional content and have experience of working in a busy production kitchen.

This is a full time post of 37.5 hours per week. The post holderwill be required to work flexibly to meet the needs of theservice.

This post is part of the Facilities & Estates Service that Dorset Healthcare may transfer to a NHS wholly owned subsidiary company, from November 2025 or later. This is an exciting opportunity to join a developing, expanding, organisation with a strong commitment to NHS values and putting patients first. The NHS wholly owned subsidiary will continue to offer NHS Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions, including NHS pensions, to staff who transfer as well as new staff it recruits itself. We look forward to receiving your application.

Main duties of the job

Working within the rota you will also need to be able to demonstrate supervisory experience, confidence and ability to deputise for the Senior Chef as and when required.

Provide a high standard of catering services to patients,staff and visitors.

Lead a team of catering staff

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.

Recommend a friend or family member and earn cash!

Do you have a friend or family member you would recommend to join us? Or do you know someone who wants to return to practice in the NHS? If the person you refer is appointed by the Trust and completes their probationary period you will receive £500 reward payment for the introduction! Please contact the recruitment team if you require further info!

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare is working in partnership with The Princes Trust to support people getting into work, as part of this partnership, we are offering an employability service to support individuals between 16-30 years old with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support please do contact [e-mail]

Person Specification

Knowledge, skills and training

• Educated to NVQ level 3, City and Guilds including level 3 food hygiene practices or equivalent level of training/experience of working at a similar level in a specialist area
• Understanding of health and safety procedures, HACCP, COSHH
• Experience of menu planning
• Previous NHS experience
• Understanding of therapeutic diets

Finance & Resources

• A clear understanding of financial resources.
• Experience in a supervisory role

Qualities & attributes

• High level of drive, self-motivation and energy to see tasks and projects through to conclusion
• Ability to motivate and influence others and manage resistance to change
• Proven ability to achieve results both autonomously and as part of a team, line manager available for reference

Driving

• full clean driving licence

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

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

£24,625 to £25,674 a yearWeekend enhancements also paid when applicable