Job summary
- Main area
- Catering
- Grade
- Band 2
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Part time - 36 hours per week (includes weekends evenings and bank holidays)
- Job ref
- 153-CO07097
- Employer
- University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Royal Bournemouth Hospital, ,
- Town
- Bournemouth
- Salary
- £25,272 pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 27/11/2026 23:59
- Interview date
- 09/12/2026
Employer heading
Patient Catering Assistant - Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Band 2
As University Hospitals Dorset we are a three site acute trust with ‘university hospital’ status through our partnership with Bournemouth University, working with an annual budget of £730m.
We offer highly regarded health services, employing some 10,000 staff. Our ambitious £500m transformation programme is well on the way to delivering state-of-the-art facilities over the next two years to meet the current and future healthcare needs of the populations we serve.
In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with over seven miles of sandy beaches you’ll find inspirational opportunities to achieve your perfect work/life balance. With the New Forest and the Purbecks on our doorstep, we’re also less than three hours from London by road or train. The thriving towns of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch give way to idyllic villages and unspoilt landscapes just minutes from our hospitals.
We believe that having a diverse workforce, and allowing people to be themselves, is essential in ensuring we offer an inclusive, welcoming and productive place to work.
We especially welcome applications from minority groups in the community who may be underrepresented in our workforce.
At UHD our active staff network groups are the Women's Network, Black Asian Minority Ethnic Group (BAME), Pride Network, European (EU), Pro Ability Staff Network, and the Armed Forces Support Group.
As a Trust we are proudly signed up to the Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant guaranteed interview schemes.
We are aware that some candidates may choose to use AI tools to support the preparation of their application. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind applicants that submissions should remain an honest and accurate representation of your own experience and suitability. Personal integrity is an important part of the recruitment process.
Job overview
Would you like to play an important role in supporting patient care within one of Dorset's leading NHS organisations?
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Catering Team at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust as a Catering Regen Assistant. This role is essential in ensuring patients receive safe, nutritious meals and that catering services operate efficiently across the Trust.
Working as part of a dedicated team, you will support the preparation, regeneration, delivery and collection of patient meal services, whilst maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety and customer service. You will contribute directly to the patient experience by helping to provide a reliable, high-quality catering service to wards across the hospital.
Previous catering experience is desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are hardworking, reliable and committed to delivering an excellent service.
Interview: 9th December
Main duties of the job
-
As a Catering Regen Assistant, you will:
- Support the preparation, regeneration and distribution of meals for patients across the hospital.
- Load and dispatch food trolleys, ensuring meals are delivered accurately and on time.
- Assist with the delivery and collection of food trolleys from wards and respond to additional meal requests as required.
- Carry out basic food preparation tasks, including the preparation of sandwiches, salads and other food items.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout catering, regeneration and kitchen areas in line with cleaning schedules and food hygiene requirements.
- Operate dishwashing equipment and ensure crockery, cutlery and catering equipment are cleaned and stored appropriately.
- Follow all Food Safety, Health & Safety, Infection Prevention and Trust policies and procedures.
- Provide a courteous and professional service when communicating with ward staff, patients and colleagues. Work flexibly across catering areas to support service requirements and maintain service continuity.
Working for our organisation
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest employers in Dorset, providing a wide range of healthcare services to local communities across the county. We are committed to delivering outstanding patient care and creating a positive working environment where staff feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.
This is an exciting time to join our organisation as we continue to invest in our hospitals, services and workforce. Significant investment in our facilities and the transformation of healthcare services across Dorset are creating opportunities for staff to develop their careers and contribute to shaping the future of healthcare provision. We offer a supportive team environment, comprehensive training, opportunities for personal development and access to the many benefits of NHS employment, including generous annual leave entitlement and membership of the NHS Pension Scheme.
Our Catering Team plays a vital role in supporting patient wellbeing and recovery. Every meal served contributes to the overall patient experience, and our staff take pride in delivering a safe, efficient and compassionate service.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will assist in the effective operation of the Catering Department, supporting the delivery of high-quality meal services to patients, visitors and staff. Key responsibilities include:
Catering Operations
- Prepare, regenerate and present food items in accordance with standard operating procedures.
- Load patient meal trolleys accurately and efficiently to support ward meal service requirements. [
- Deliver and collect food trolleys and additional meal requests as required.
- Ensure catering areas are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
Food Safety and Compliance
- Comply with Food Safety legislation, Health & Safety regulations and Trust policies at all times.
- Follow cleaning schedules and the departmental "clean as you go" policy.
- Report equipment faults, hazards and incidents to supervisors promptly.
- Adhere to infection prevention and control procedures and safe working practices.
Customer Service
- Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, ward staff and colleagues.
- Respond courteously to service requests and support the delivery of a positive patient experience.
Team Working
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Catering Department to ensure efficient service delivery.
- Support the induction and mentoring of new staff where required.
- Maintain a professional appearance and adhere to uniform policies.
Personal Responsibilities
- Attend mandatory training and participate in learning and development opportunities.
- Take responsibility for personal health and safety and contribute to a safe working environment.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade and nature of the post.
This role requires a good level of physical fitness, including regular lifting, pushing and pulling of catering equipment and meal trolleys within a busy hospital environment.
The successful candidate will be committed to upholding the values of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust and delivering an outstanding service that supports patient care and recover
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience working in a catering, hospitality, food service or customer service environment.
- Experience following cleaning, hygiene or safe working procedures
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience in a healthcare environment
- Previous NHS experience.
Qualification
Essential criteria
- Good standard of literacy and numeracy gained through education, training or experience.
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate or willingness to undertake training
Desirable criteria
- Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate
- Health & Safety qualification
- Allergen Awareness training
Other
Essential criteria
- Good understanding of food safety and hygiene principles
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Good communication and customer service skills
- Ability to work flexibly, including weekends and bank holidays
- Ability to work in a busy environment and meet service deadlines
Desirable criteria
- Ability to work independently when required
- Basic problem-solving skills
- Ability to identify opportunities for service improvement
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
This post will require a submission for Disclosure to be made to check for any unspent criminal convictions.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Louise Clyde
- Job title
- Catering Operations Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0300 019 4011
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