Job details
Main area: Catering. Grade: Band 3. Contract: Bank: 0 days. Hours: Flexible working, 0 hours per week (BANK Agreement). Job ref: 279-7572869-NOV24.
Employer: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Salary: £12.59 per hour, pro rata. Closing date: 17/11/2025 23:59.
Location: Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton.
Job overview
To assist and lead in the delivery of a quality patient food service achieving the highest possible standards for patients, visitors and staff at all times working in accordance with departmental Hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) procedures and current food safety legislation.
Responsible for the standards of food hygiene and cleanliness and hours worked in their areas of responsibility by adhering to the allocation of levels of labour and other costs, including the management of working rosters and food wastage.
The post holder will need to be fully aware of the Trust’s Values & Behaviours initiative and act accordingly.
Main duties of the job
To oversee all catering related duties and be the focus for all food services provided to patients in the ward areas.
To ensure that food and beverage services are provided according to agreed procedures and schedules within designated areas, assisting with catering duties along with the team.
To ensure that the cleaning of food preparation and food service areas is undertaken appropriately and checked.
Maintain efficient and accurate records and carry out food safety, allergen and cleaning audits in line with the operational procedures.
Inform the catering staff of the outcome of audits and agree actions plans ensuring action is taken if necessary.
To promote a safe working environment within Catering, ensuring the safe use and storage of all foodstuffs, equipment and materials.
Ensure that sufficient stock levels of cleaning materials, equipment and provisions are maintained.
Undertake regular stocktakes and prepare re-order schedules as
Ensure that staff are using Chemicals correctly as stipulated by Control of Substances Hazard to Health (COSHH) and that all cleaning cupboards are clean, tidy and locked at all times.
To report any defects in catering/cleaning equipment to the Duty Manager.
Ensure that each food production and food service area has an up to date cleaning schedule and work statement.
See Job Description and Personal Specification for more details.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
Ensure that Patient Catering Assistants respect the privacy and dignity of patients whilst carrying out food and beverage duties.
To report any accidents/incidents as soon as they occur, supporting appropriate investigations and implement preventative action plans.
Ensure that all staff observe the food hygiene and safety regulations at all times maintaining a high standard of service is provided.
To report any mechanical defects/building fabric throughout the Ward/Department to the appropriate Trust department.
Ensure that catering and ward areas are safe and tidy at all times e.g. the removal of clutter, ensuring that equipment and waste is stored safely.
To check all areas within designated responsibility throughout the course of the day and at the end of each shift to ensure performance standards have been met. Escalate any concerns to the Duty Manager/Senior Duty Manager.
To highlight any additional staff training needs to the Duty/Senior Duty Manager to arrange for adequate training to be provided.
Undertake daily ward visits at all mealtimes to ensure that patient choice and service standards are maintained at all times in line with PLACE.
Monitor the issue of meals to all wards and departments to control waste.
Ensure the correct disposal of domestic, recycling and food waste as per Trust/HACCP policy.
See Job Description and Personal Specification for more details.
Person specification
Experience and Qualifications
* A good level of general education, numeracy and literacy required acquired through NVQ L3 or equivalent experience.
* A good standard of English is essential for effective communication and understanding. Level 2 Food Safety Award is essential.
* Significant experience of working in a Hospital environment providing catering services.
* Previous experience of managing a Team of Catering Staff.
* Knowledge of Industrial type cleaning equipment.
* Knowledge of COSHH, hygiene standards and infection control within the workplace.
* Understanding of food safety/HACCP requirements. Level 3 Food Safety Award is Desirable.
Skills
* Ability to communicate at all levels i.e with colleagues and managers, other departmental staff, patients, visitors and stakeholders.
* Ability to praise and be supportive to others and lead.
* Ability to follow instructions, carry out procedures and adhere to Policies and Procedures.
* Prioritisation of own and others tasks with the Trust policies and procedures.
* Analyse and resolve staff performance problems, resolve staff shortages.
* Able to use a range of Microsoft Office Programmes.
People Management and Development
* Ability to encourage others to develop themselves and the service through Improvement, innovation and continuous development.
* Ability to challenge poor behaviour and to performance manage when required.
* Ability to carry out Performance reviews and work with individual staff to compile and implement development plans.
* Ability to supervise a large team.
* Ability to demonstrate leadership and direction.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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 Immigration 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.
Further Information
For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nursingteam@nhs.net.
For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nonnursingteam@nhs.net.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Application numbers
This advert has been capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, it 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 this post to prevent you from missing out on this opportunity.
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