Job overview
Please note this role is currently only being advertised to staff members who are currently working within the Kent and Medway ICS.
Wells Health at Fordcombe Hospital are looking for an enthusiastic Catering Assistant to join our friendly Catering team.
Your responsibilities would be to work with the catering and ward team to develop and maintain a courteous and efficient beverage and meal service, and to contribute to a positive dining experience to our patients, staff and visitors.
Ensure that a high standard of cleanliness is maintained throughout all catering areas of the hospital and ensure all Policies and documentation is adhered to.
The position is full time working 37.5 hours per week, including Bank holidays and weekends.
Main duties of the job
You will have some previous catering experience and be able to demonstrate good communication and customer service skills. You will be able to show total flexibility in your approach to work and have the ability to think on your feet.
- To prepare and deliver patient meals to the ward taking into account any meal preferences, cultural & religious choices. To assist in the main kitchen & dishwash area as required.
- To liaise with food service staff regarding any meal changes or special diet requirements.
We operate a shift system with the early shift starting at 7am – 3pm and the late shift at 11-7pm .You will be required to work the occasional long shift at weekends and bank holidays.
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
1. At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
2. Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
3. Blue Light card eligibility
4. And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Standard Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Please note that the Fordcombe Site is located in a rural area with limited access via public transport. You will need to ensure you are available to attend the time during the day and evenings. Access to a vehicle is advantageous.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
5. Educated to GCSE A to C standard
6. Food Hygiene Certificate
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
7. Experienced in working in catering services
Skills
Essential criteria
8. Good communication skills
9. Flexibility to work in other areas of the department & across sites
Desirable criteria
10. Customer care