SCL Retail Catering Assistant

NHS; North East; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A public health organization in North East England is seeking a part-time Retail Catering Assistant. Responsible for supporting the service of food and beverages at the University Hospital North Durham, candidates must possess a Level 2 Certificate in Food Hygiene and catering experience. Strong customer service and communication skills are essential. The role includes ensuring food safety regulations are followed and maintaining cleanliness standards. This position offers a competitive hourly rate and requires flexibility for shift and weekend work.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Access to a pension scheme

Night Shift Working Allowances

Bank Holiday Working Allowances

Qualifications

• Catering experience in a fast-paced environment is essential.
• Sound knowledge of food hygiene regulations is necessary.
• Demonstrate a can-do attitude and flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the service of beverages and food items.
• Carry out cleaning duties in line with departmental specifications.
• Ensure food safety regulations are adhered to.

Skills

Excellent communication and customer care skills

Ability to follow clear instructions

Natural and enthusiastic

Good manual dexterity

Basic numeracy

Education

Level 2 Certificate in Food Hygiene

A good standard of literacy and numeracy

Job description

Job Overview

We are looking for a Retail Catering Assistant Services who will play a pivotal role in driving the success of retail catering services within Synchronicity Care Limited (SCL), at the University Hospital North Durham. This position is integral to delivering seamless operations, enhancing customer satisfaction. The successful candidate will be part of an NHS England Catering Exemplar site and will be part of the team that provides the catering service to the external retail outlet on site serving drinks, snacks and composite meals. The successful applicant will have:

• Previous catering experience in a fast paced environment
• Sound knowledge of food hygiene regulations
• Demonstrate a can‑do attitude
• Excellent communication and customer care skills
• Level 2 Certificate in Food Hygiene

Main Duties

We are seeking a customer‑focused Retail Catering Assistant primarily assisting in the service of beverages and food items in all retail catering outlets at University Hospital of North Durham.

To be able to dismantle and reassemble equipment being cleaned

Carrying out cleaning duties in accordance with Departmental Specifications and Cleaning Policy

Disposing of food waste and refuse safely and hygienically

Assist in the cleaning of all containers, crockery, and cutlery used in the service to staff and visitors

To operate an EPOS till and re‑stock areas

To log food and fridge temperatures in line with departmental policy.

About Us

SCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) set up to deliver a range of non‑clinical services. The company is a separate legal body to CDDFT.

SCL offers its own Terms and Conditions of employment which differ to the national NHS Terms and Conditions. As an employee in the company you will benefit from:

• A Competitive salary
• Access to a pension scheme – National Employment Savings Trust (NEST). CDD Services will pay a 3% contribution (over and above the minimum contribution rate at the present time)
• Night Shift Working Allowances (where appropriate)
• Bank Holiday Working Allowances (where appropriate)

Bank work is offered on an "as and when" basis with no guaranteed hours and will be paid on a pro‑rated hourly rate for hours worked only.

Job Responsibilities

To support and assist the Head of Retail and Retail Supervisor in the provision of a highly professional catering service within the retail units at University Hospital North Durham and to ensure that high quality standards are met at all times.

To follow the policies and procedures laid down by the retail services in the day to day operational management of retail and to ensure a high quality and cost effective service.

To ensure that food safety regulations are adhered to at all times.

Provide and maintain a highly customer focused restaurant facility.

Ensure that communication channels are maintained between appropriate staff/visitor/patient groups with regard to patient feeding.

Work in a safe manner so that no other persons are put at risk whilst completing the required duties.

Initially deal with any complaints/comments regarding the service in a courteous manner from Trust staff or patients.

Developing staff preferences, promoting flexible working arrangements, and encourage change of working practice following major life changing events.

Person Specification

Qualifications (Essential)

• Level 2 Certificate in Food Hygiene (E)
• A good standard of literacy and numeracy (E)

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Health and Safety (D)

Special Skills and Knowledge (Essential)

• Natural & enthusiastic staff member (E)
• Ability to follow clear instructions and feedback to senior staff (E)
• Committed to quality customer care/delivering excellent customer service (E)
• Effective interpersonal skills (E)
• Able to work with minimal supervision following set procedures (E)
• Flexible approach to work and adaptable to change (E)
• Good manual dexterity, physical fitness (E)Good timekeeping (E)
• Basic numeracy (E)
• Knowledge of food safety and allergen regulations (E)

Special Skills and Knowledge (Desirable)

• Basic keyboard skills (D)

Experience (Essential)

• Catering Experience

Experience (Desirable)

• Retail experience

Special Requirements (Essential)

• Ability to work shifts and weekends and have flexibility to needs of the service (E)

Special Requirements (Desirable)

• Health and safety (D)

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.

Location

University Hospital Of North Durham
North Road
Durham
DH1 5TW

Job Details

Date posted: 11 December 2025
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £12.21 an hour
Contract: Bank
Working pattern: Part‑time
Reference number: M9439-25-0054