Catering Assistant

Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

The closing date is 28 January 2026

To work within a team of kitchen assistants within the catering department at Princess Alexandra with the responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of the fabrications and equipment within the kitchen which meets the Food Hygiene Legislation and for receiving and storage of perishables and non-perishables food items. To ensure all catering equipment and work surfaces are kept in a clean and hygienic state that meets the Food Hygiene Legislation and that all cleaning practices meets with the C.O.S.H.H requirements.

The correct storage of perishable and non-perishable food products ensuring that the strict temperature control of deliveries are adhered to.

This role is part of a wider Catering Assistants team providing a cleaning and support service to Catering Department including the Alexandra Restaurant and the main kitchen. The role of the Kitchen/Retail Assistant:
Support chefs with kitchen operations providing patients & public meal preparation via the mobile bulk trolley service or from time to time by any other means deemed necessary in line with business/patient needs. To provide a hot and cold food service to staff and visitors in the main restaurant. Operation of till and the handling of cash. To stock and replenish fridges and food and beverage storage within Alexandra Restaurant and Alex Lounge.

To provide a support service to the kitchen [cold food prep and cleaning]. To work as part of a team in the Central Dish wash and Pot Wash area. Will also be required to carry out duties in the following areas as and when required, to meet service needs;
Kitchen Menu Summariser (sorting and consolidating patients order). Will be required to ensure high standards of food safety and quality are maintained at all times and in accordance with Food Safety Legislation and HACCP Food Safety Management System.

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Duties and responsibilities

• General cleaning of all areas associated with the catering department [e.g. working surfaces, equipment, floors, walls, stores area etc.] whilst using the appropriate cleaning materials/chemicals/equipment for the job, wearing the specified personal protective clothing and completing cleaning schedule documentation
• Work in accordance with duty rotas and work schedules.
• Responsible for practising good hygiene and health & safety within the department in accordance with current Food Safety and Health & Safety Legislation.
• Ensure high standard of personal hygiene in accordance with legal requirements, policies and procedures.
• Collection, removal and disposal of waste material in line with the Trust Waste Management policy/Sustainability Plan including cleanliness of waste receptacles.
• Food and beverage service in main restaurant.
• Assist in other areas within the catering department as and when required to meet service needs.
• Ensure the careful use of resources to reduce unnecessary waste and comply with departmental stock rotation and control policy.
• To attend Food Safety Training to include Induction, CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety and Catering, Annual Food Hygiene Refresher Training, Trust Statutory Training and any other mandatory training as and when required.
• Report all…