Food Service Assistant

NHS National Services Scotland; Lerwick; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Training provided

Job summary

NHS Shetland is seeking a part-time Food Services Assistant to join our catering team. This hands-on role supports patient care and provides meals for staff and visitors, across two settings on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

You’ll gain food hygiene and basic kitchen skills, customer service experience, and training with NHS standards. No prior NHS or catering experience is required, with full training provided; Closing date 2026-09-13 and PVG disclosure may be required.

Qualifications

• Reliable and keen to learn with a hands-on approach.
• Ability to work Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in a part-time role.
• Comfort with customer service and basic kitchen tasks.
• Willingness to train and work to NHS standards.

Responsibilities

• Fridays – Servery: customer-facing food service, basic cooking, stock control, cleaning.
• Saturdays & Sundays – Main Production Kitchen: assist with patient meals and food trolleys, keep areas clean and safe.

Skills

Reliable

Team player

Willing to learn

Hands-on

Job description

Food Services Assistant (Ref: 258594)

Substantive

Part Time – 20 hours per week

Friday 11:00am – 15:00pm Saturday & Sunday 08:30am – 17:30pm

Band 2 - Salary Range £26,696 - £28,988 per annum (pro rata)

Plus Distant Islands Allowance of £2,578 per annum (pro rata)

Like working with food? Enjoy being part of a team?

Come and work with us.

We’re looking for a Food Services Assistant to join our friendly Catering Team at NHS Shetland. This is a hands‑on role where your work really matters — supporting patient care and providing good food for staff and visitors.

What makes this role different?

You’ll work across two catering settings, so the job is varied and interesting:

Fridays – Servery: Customer-facing work including food service, basic cooking, food handling, stock control, cleaning and providing a warm, friendly service.

Saturdays & Sundays – Main Production Kitchen: Supporting the preparation of patient meals, food trolleys, and keeping everything clean, safe, and running smoothly.

What you’ll gain

• Food hygiene and safe food handling
• Basic cooking and kitchen skills
• Customer service and communication
• Teamworking in a busy environment
• Experience working to NHS standards

No previous NHS or catering experience is needed — full training and support is provided.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Reliable and keen to learn
• Enjoys practical, hands‑on work
• Can work well as part of a team
• Takes pride in doing a job well

In return, you’ll get a supportive team, proper training, and the satisfaction of knowing your work makes a difference every day.

You will be expected to comply with the Induction Standards and Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers within 3 months of commencing your role – details can be viewed on http://www.hcswtoolkit.nes.scot.nhs.uk/resources/hcsw-standards-and-codes/.

For an informal discussion, please contact Susan Tait on 01595 743000 extension 3106.

Closing date: 13th September 2026

Interviews: TBA

Please note this is a local advertisement and no relocation or interview expenses are applicable.

If you require assistance or encounter any technical issues with your application, please visit our support centre: https://knowledge.jobtrain.co.uk/jobseeker or call 0161 850 2004.

Preferred candidates will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update prior to a formal offer of employment being made.

In promoting equal opportunities, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.