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Job summary

Main area
Facilities
Grade
Band 2
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (on a 5 days in 7 pattern, including some weekends as part of the pattern)
Job ref
339-FD4854-CCC
Employer
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT)
Employer type
NHS
Site
Southmead Hospital
Town
Bristol
Salary
£25,272 per annum pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
16/10/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT) logo

Catering assistant

Band 2

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This creates an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.


 

Job overview

Carrying out of duties in the central Production Kitchen, Restaurant or Regen Ward Kitchens and associated areas.  These duties include service of food, cleaning of premises and equipment, pre-preparation of food items prior to service and to regenerate cooked meals for patients at lunch and supper at ward level. It can involve taking of cash, manly via the use of cash tills. Pot wash and working in the catering stores area.  Full training is given before this duty is undertaken.

Main duties of the job

Skills
•    Ability to communicate with other catering staff regarding work issues and instructions
Training
•    To be able to undertake a structured training programme through taught courses and on the job training to last approximately 3 months to include foundation certificate in food hygiene/level 2 food safety certificate, and equipment training (slicing, boilers, cooling kettles etc). To be signed off as competent with a 3-4 month period   
Experience
•    Recent relevant catering experience is essential (within the last 3 years)
•    Currently Works in the Catering Industry
•    Up to date awareness of Catering Procedures and Food Safety

Working for our organisation

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston. 

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer. Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For a more detailed job description, main responsibilities, and Person Specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

 

Person specification

Shortlisting criteria

Essential criteria
  • Ability to communicate with other catering staff regarding work issues and instructions
  • To be able to undertake a structured training programme through taught courses and on the job training to last approximately 3 months to include foundation certificate in food hygiene/level 2 food safety certificate, and equipment training (slicing, boilers, cooling kettles etc). To be signed off as competent with a 3-4 month period
  • Recent relevant catering experience is desirable
  • Ability to use initiative, prioritise and take prompt follow up action as required by the situation, e.g. quality control/replacing a customer’s meal

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDDisability Confident - two yearsVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveCare quality commission - GoodMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerNHS Pastoral CareStep into healthMenopause Workplace PledgeDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - GoldPride In Veterans

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Paula Thornell
Job title
Patient Catering Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0117 41 40651
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