Cook

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Bridport; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust in Bridport Hospital is seeking a Cook to join our hospital catering team. This 26 hour per week role includes every other weekend shifts and enhanced pay rates for weekend work, with duties to plan, prepare, cook and serve nutritious meals to patients, staff and visitors in a safe, hygienic kitchen.

You will work with colleagues to meet dietary requirements, follow HACCP and food safety policies, and help maintain high standards of cleanliness.

Qualifications

• Well-organised and flexible with good communication skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Previous experience in a similar role is desirable.
• Knowledge of stock control procedures is helpful.
• Demonstrable English written and spoken proficiency is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, cook and serve meals to patients, staff and visitors.
• Maintain HACCP and food safety standards; ensure documentation and checks are completed.
• Keep the kitchen clean and assist the catering team to run smoothly.
• Liaise with wards to support patient meal provision.

Skills

Good communication

Organised

Team player

Initiative

Education

Level 2 certificate in food hygiene

Job description

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Cook

The closing date is 18 November 2026

We're looking for someone who is well-organised, flexible, and has good communication skills, be flexible in your approach to work whilst demonstrating an ability to work using your own initiative and work as part of a friendly dedicated team at Bridport Hospital.

As a Cook, you will be a vital member of our dedicated hospital catering team, playing an essential role in preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious meals to patients, staff, and visitors. Your contribution directly supports patients during their time in hospital, making you a valued part of the wider care team.You will help ensure our catering service is delivered to the highest standards by maintaining a clean, safe, and hygienic kitchen environment. Your role is key in maintaining the high standard of meal provision expected in a hospital setting.This is a 26 hour per week position, including every other weekend, with enhanced pay rates for weekend shifts.

The proposed shift pattern is as follows

Week 2 - Sunday Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 07:00-14:00

Employment in this post requires a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check which the Trust will cover the cost of.

Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.

Main duties of the job

As a Cook, the main elements of the role are to plan, prepare, cook and serve meals to patients, staff and visitors, in line with dietary requirements, ensure the consistent delivery of a high quality catering service that meets the health and safety and hygiene standards.

Carry out general kitchen duties as required, supporting the smooth and efficient operation of the catering team. Adhere to food safety policies, including HACCP and **ensure accurate documentation and regular checks are completed.**

Liaise with colleagues across department, including the ward to support patient care regarding meal provision.

Ensuring the kitchen is kept to a high standard of cleanliness.

We are looking for someone with good organisational and communication skills, be flexible in your approach to work whilst demonstrating an ability to work using your own initiative and work as part of a team.

The attached job description is a multiskilled support services assistant, and as such gives an option to cover other duties if required.

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.

We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidates individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.

All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurate reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals 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

• Level 2 certificate in food hygiene or working towards
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of the team

Experience

• Previous experience in a similar role

Finance/Resources

• Knowledge of stock control procedures and methods

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.

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