Chef

NHS; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health service provider in Portsmouth is seeking a qualified chef to join their catering team. The role involves preparing and cooking quality meals for staff, visitors, and patients. Candidates should have NVQ qualifications in Professional Cookery and strong communication skills. The job offers straight shifts, generous leave, and NHS Pension Scheme membership.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Membership of NHS Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Must have NVQ 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent + 5 years' experience.
• Able to work as part of a team or independently.
• Effective verbal and non-verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide a high-quality catering service per procedures.
• Ensure HACCP guidelines are followed.
• Organise daily work tasks and maintain cleanliness.

Skills

Good communication skills

Teamwork

Adaptability

Calm under pressure

Education

NVQ 2 in Professional Cookery

NVQ 3 Professional Cookery

Level 3 Food Safety Certificate

Food Allergy and Intolerance Certificate

Job description

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth. We are currently looking for an enthusiastic, friendly person to join the catering team as a qualified chef.

Working Hours and Benefits

37.5 Hours – Monday to Friday, including Bank Holidays. We offer straight shifts, generous annual leave entitlement and membership of the NHS Pension Scheme.

About the role

Applicants will work in a small team responsible for preparing and cooking quality freshly prepared food for staff, visitors and patients. They should possess a broad range of cooking skills, a calm disposition, effective communication skills and be able to take charge in the absence of the Head Chef.

The Trust has a smoke‑free policy – smoking is not permitted anywhere on the hospital site.

The Trust is committed to valuing the benefits of diversity in its staff and to equal opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Provide a high‑quality catering service in line with local operational procedures and work schedules.
• Ensure HACCP guidelines and allergen regulations (including Natasha’s Law) are followed.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, including personal hygiene.
• Organise daily work tasks and activities.
• Follow approved recipes.
• Support picking and packing catering assistants in the successful running of the patient food service.
• Work in accordance with NHS Portsmouth Policies and Procedures.
• Adhere to safety regulations and safe working practices.
• Support the Retail Supervisor as required.
• Communicate food‑service information verbally and by telephone.
• Assist in training new or relief staff.
• Report accidents, near‑misses or non‑conformities to the team leader or manager.
• Undertake audits as necessary.
• Provide relief cover for break times, annual leave and sickness.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Demonstrate courteous behaviour.
• Manage workforce swiping/logging in at shift start and finish.
• Assume responsibility for the catering department in the absence of the Head Chef or Assistant Head Chef.
• Provide data on food service, including quality assurance and wastage information, and take corrective action.
• Conduct surveys or audits such as patient satisfaction.
• Maintain departmental records.
• Deal with patient/customer comments and complete relevant paperwork.

Qualifications

• NVQ 2 in Professional Cookery or City & Guilds 706/2 plus 5 years experience in the catering trade.
• NVQ 3 Professional Cookery.
• Level 3 Food Safety Certificate.
• Food Allergy and Intolerance Certificate.

Person Specification / Experience

• Able to work as part of a team or on own initiative.
• Capable of following instructions.
• Good communication skills, including non‑verbal communication.
• Can respond constructively to unpredictable situations.
• Calm, focused and able to cope with work under pressure.
• Flexible and adaptable.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post requires a Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 disclosure. A submission will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer Details

Equans Working with Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Queen Alexandra Hospital
Southwick Hill Road
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO6 3LY

Website: https://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/