Housekeeping Assistant

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Brighton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust seeks dedicated Cleaning Staff to uphold hygiene standards crucial for patient care. The role offers opportunities for flexible working and professional development within a supportive environment focused on patient-first initiatives.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Wellbeing Programme

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in a healthcare cleaning environment is preferred.
• Good standard of English essential for communication.
• Willing to undertake mandatory training including COSHH and Health and Safety.

Responsibilities

• Maintain high cleaning standards across various hospital areas.
• Ensure adherence to infection prevention guidelines.
• Interact courteously with patients and staff.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to Detail

Education

NVQ Level 1 Certificate in Cleaning and Support Services

Good level of General Education, Numeracy and Literacy

Tools

Cleaning Equipment

Job description

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University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Location:

Brighton, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

d5a5972e3319

Job Views:

3

Posted:

29.06.2025

Expiry Date:

13.08.2025

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Job Description:

Job overview

To maintain a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness, as defined in the National Standards of Cleanliness, in all areas of responsibility.

To ensure Infection Prevention and Control guidelines are adhered to.

The Post Holder will be required to ensure personal conduct is at the highest standard while on the hospital premises, exhibiting courtesy and efficiency to patients, visitors and users of the service at all times.

The post holder will need to be fully aware of the Trust’s Values & Behaviours and Patient First initiatives and act accordingly.

Part-time permanent, and bank roles are available; therefore, please apply to this advert if you are also looking for a bank position.

IF YOU HAVE APPLIED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS YOU DO NOT NEED TO RE-APPLY.

Main duties of the job

Will be required to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including colleagues, other Trust staff, visitors and contractors.

Will be required to interact well with patients to provide the highest level of service in aid of Trusts commitment to patient first.

Demonstrate duties and aid in orientation of wards/departments to new starters as part of on the job buddying.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Candidate information pack - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To ensure the cleanliness of the area you have been assigned to under the direction of your manager.

This will include cleaning areas such as corridors, offices, stairs, toilets, bathrooms, and patient bed spaces on a frequent basis using a variety of tasks and procedures including the dusting of all horizontal and vertical surfaces, high and low level cleaning, replenishment of disposable items, changing of bed side
curtains, emptying, cleaning and re-lining of waste bins and deep cleans (where applicable).

To adhere to all aspects of ‘Control of Infection & Prevention’ procedures including the use of colour coded equipment to ensure there is no spread of infection.

Comply with National Cleaning Standards and the required cleaning frequencies as per the work schedules provided.

Removal of rubbish from ward/department areas to the designated collection points, ensuring the correct disposal of Clinical and Domestic waste in line with Trusts and national Waste Policies.

General floor scrubbing and floor maintenance (using floor machines) according to agreed frequencies and guidelines.

Ensure the correct use of chemicals making sure the handling, storage and safe usage are in line with COSHH regulations, safety data sheets and training given.

To ensure that all cleaning equipment (including electrical) is kept clean and maintained in good working order.

Reporting of equipment breakdown, faults with the building fabric or hazardous occurrences to Line Manager.

Attend all training sessions and complete competency tests as appropriate.

To ensure that all work is carried out in strict accordance with the manual handling training received to ensure your personal health and safety and that of others.

To ensure that all tasks are completed using the risk assessments and “safe systems of work” as instructed by your manager.

Responsible for ensuring the security of stock and that cleaning cupboards are kept clean and tidy.

Adherence to Trust standards regarding uniform, conduct and the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment.

To ensure patients privacy and dignity is maintained throughout your work.

To ensure that bathrooms, shower rooms, WCs and wash hand basins are always cleaned in accordance with the agreed Bathroom Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

To respond to any actions that may arise from cleaning audits.

Carry out reasonable duties as required and co-operate fully when new methods of work or frequencies of cleaning are introduced.

The completion of national cleaning standards rectification sheets in the appropriate time frame.

Person specification

Qualifications and Experience

• A good level of General Education, Numeracy and Literacy.
• Educated to NVQ Level 1 Certificate in Cleaning and Support Services or willing to obtain or equivalent experience
• A good standard of English is essential for effective communication and understanding. Applicants for whom English is not their first language may be asked to complete a short competency check at interview stage.
• Willing to undertake training as required i.e. COSHH, Infection Control, Health and Safety, Manual Handling, food safety, Fire Safety and all other training deemed mandatory to the role. This will include Trust, Patient Support/Directorate Services and on the job induction training
• Cleaning experience of working within a healthcare environment
• Experience in the use of cleaning equipment including floor machinery
• Knowledge of hygiene standards including infection, prevention and control within the workplace.
• Positive attitude and the ability to communicate with patients, staff and visitors

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications