Catering Assistant

Go back North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

Catering Assistant

The closing date is 27 March 2026

Our Catering Department plays a vital role in patient care and staff wellbeing.

The successful applicant will assist in carrying out a range of catering duties in an efficient and effective manner, ensuring all who use the service are provided with a high quality service.

We provide meals for our 260-bed hospital, fresh food for the staff and visitor restaurant, and serve at our Costa caf outlet.

Main duties of the job

The catering department operates seven days a week between 07:00-19:00 so are able to offer flexible opportunities perfect for those looking to work around other commitments or gain experience in a supportive environment.

Training provided to all new staff including Food Safety Level 2 and allergen training.

Career progression: Opportunities to grow into supervisory or specialist roles.

About us

At NCIC, we have an ambition to deliver outstanding healthcare services to the population of North Cumbria. The Trust is committed to creating a centre of excellence in providing rural and remote healthcare and provides a wide range of community and acute services throughout our county.

Our 5 key principles demonstrate our belief in the delivery of 'safe, high quality care every time':

• Being a clinically led organisation
• Quality and safety at the heart of our Trust
• A positive patient experience every time
• A great place to work
• Managing our money well

As an organisation we are serious about supporting a diverse workforce that reflects our local community and are very much focused on being an inclusive and compassionate place to work.

Across the North East and North Cumbria we are working together to deliver our ambition to be the greenest region in England by 2030. All staff are expected to support sustainability.

Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description and person specification for further information regarding the role and the essential and desirable criteria required to be met by applicants.

Person Specification Qualifications

• GCSE English language or equivalent
• Food hygiene certificate

Knowledge and Experience

• Food preparation and catering practices
• Experience of working in a hospital environment
• Evidence of customer service experience in a catering environment
• Ability to maintain and improve skills and knowledge and competence to ensure high standards

Skills

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Able to evidence experience of working alone or in a team
• Ability to follow health, safety and hygiene procedures
• Awareness of appropriate image/appearance to suit service needs
• Can evidence the ability to use initiative appropriately

Personal Circumstances

• Ability to work shift patterns
• Ability to work effectively under direct supervision, or as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Reliable, adaptable and dependable
• Evidence of ability to communicate with key staff ie ward staff

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. The cost of the DBS must be met by the successful candidate(s) through salary deduction. DBS charges are as follows:

• Standard Check: £28.00 - deducted from salary over a 4 month period or a one off payment.
• Enhanced Check: £56.00 - deducted from salary over a 4 month period or a one off payment.

Benefits

• 27 day holiday scheme rising to 33 days after 10 years
• NHS Discounts
• Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
• Vivup - a free, confidential counselling and information service to assist with personal or work related problems
• Subject to eligibility

Employer name

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust