Overview
Job title: Catering Assistant (Ward Host) – CHoICE Facilities Services
Closing date: 13 October 2025
CHoICE Facilities Services are seeking a passionate, hardworking and reliable individual to join our team and fulfil the role of Catering Assistant (Ward Host). As a Ward Host you would be responsible for assisting clinical staff in the efficient and effective production and service of meals and beverages on several wards for patients, staff and visitors, including associated cleaning and hygiene-related duties. The role is ward based and involves collecting and delivering meals to wards and can be physically demanding.
The role of a Ward Host is an exciting opportunity for people who are motivated, flexible, task-focused and who have excellent communications skills. We encourage and support our employees to progress within CHoICE and offer full training on the job. If you are ambitious, caring, a team player and strive to deliver high standards of service, we would like to hear from you.
Main duties
* Follow food & beverage handling procedures, in accordance with national and local regulations.
* Undertake stock management, receipt and delivery of stock, reporting any discrepancies or damaged goods to Supervisors. Record food temperatures and food waste before and after service.
* Maintain the appropriate knowledge and skills to safely and effectively perform all food & beverage tasks.
* Maintain a clean, tidy and hygienic appearance and wear appropriate protective clothing at all times.
* Distribution, delivery and service of food and beverages to wards and departments.
* Ensure all equipment and working areas, including storerooms, refrigerators and freezers, are kept clean and hygienic and that good hygienic practices are established and maintained.
* Carry out other duties which are reasonable and in line with the post.
* Provide a food and beverage service including catering for special events to patients, staff and visitors.
* Prepare, assemble and pack meals for patients and staff.
* Collection, segregation and disposal of waste materials in accordance with policies.
* Shift pattern: Monday – Thursday, 16:00–20:00 (16 hours).
About us
City Hospitals Independent Commercial Enterprises Ltd (CHoICE – trading since 2014) is a wholly owned subsidiary of South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust. CHoICE provides a full range of Facilities Management, Procurement and Outpatient Pharmacy services. We employ around 650 staff in a wide range of functions. We are committed to offering flexible approaches to work where possible and provide benefits including a Fitness Centre (SRH), cycle to work scheme and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.
We welcome all applications regardless of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and in particular those from under-represented groups.
If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.
Job responsibilities
To be responsible for assisting in the efficient and effective production and service of a high quality of meals and beverages for patients, staff and visitors, including associated cleaning and hygiene-related duties.
PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE
Please note the Trust are not able to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the UKVI threshold requirements. Applicants are requested to consider this when making their application. Please visit Gov.UK for further information
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Basic Numeracy and Literacy education
* Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
Experience
* Good understanding of catering services
* Catering Experience
* Experience of working in a healthcare environment
* Experience in production environment
* Experience of cash/card payment handling
* Previous experience in dealing with the public
Skills and Knowledge
* Ability to accept and prioritise instructions
* Previous knowledge of catering environment
Physical skills
* Combination of bending, lifting, standing and walking with frequent physical effort.
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
City Hospitals Independent Commercial Enterprises Ltd (CHoICE)
Salary: £26,101 a year pro rata for part time – 16 hours per week
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