Catering Assistant

The closing date is 06 July 2026

Catering Assistant

CHoICEFacilities Services are seeking a passionate, hardworking and reliable individual to join our team and fulfill 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 high-quality meals & 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 for patients, collecting crockery and cutlery from patient bedsides and is physically demanding.

Shift Patterns

• 10.5 hours per week 4:00pm - 7:30pm Friday to Sunday
• 12 hours per week 4:00pm - 8:00pm Friday to Sunday
• 16 hours per week 4:00pm - 8:00pm Monday to Thursday

Job responsibilities

To be responsible for assisting in the efficient and effective production & service of a high quality of meals & beverages, for patients, staff and visitors, including associated cleaning and hygiene related duties.

Main duties of the job

• To 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. Ensuring that the appropriate protective clothing is worn at all times.
• Distribution, delivery and service of food and beverages to wards and departments.
• Ensuring all equipment, working areas, including storerooms, refrigerators and freezers are kept in a clean and hygienic condition and that good hygienic practices are established and maintained at all times.
• Carry out any other duties which are deemed reasonable and in line with the banding of the post.
• Providing a food and beverage service including catering for special events to patients, staff and visitors.
• Preparing, assembling and packing meals for patients and staff.
• Collection, segregation and disposal of waste materials, in accordance with policies.
• CHoICE Catering Services are provided at Sunderland Royal Hospital & Sunderland Eye Infirmary.

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to accept and prioritise instructions
• Previous knowledge of catering environment

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

Physical skills

• Combination of bending/lifting/standing and walking with frequent requirement for 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 name

City Hospitals Independent Commercial Enterprises Ltd (CHoICE)

Benefits

We provide a range of benefits including Fitness Centre (SRH), cycle to work scheme and access to a Childcare Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.

Equality & Diversity

We welcome all applications regardless of peoples 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.

Other Information

We are committed to offering flexible approaches to work where possible.