At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver nutritious meals and provide friendly service to patients in a hospital setting.
- Company: Join the supportive team at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy NHS staff benefits, ongoing training, and a healthy work-life balance.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; perfect for students looking to make an impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Basic catering experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 26618 - 26618 £ per year.
Join Our Team as a Ward Host - Making Every Meal Matter
Hours: Full-time - 37.5 hours per week (5 out of 7 days, rota basis) including weekends
Timings - in between the hours of 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Location: Wexham Park Hospital
Are you passionate about delivering excellent service and making a real difference in patients' lives each day? We're looking for enthusiastic, compassionate individuals to join our catering team as a Ward Host. In this vital front-line role, you'll help ensure that patients receive nutritious meals in a friendly and caring environment, helping to make their stay as comfortable as possible. You'll work closely with patients, nursing staff, and kitchen teams to provide a service that's not only efficient but warm, welcoming, and respectful.
Please note that this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the post.
Main duties of the job:
- Supporting the preparation and delivery of meals and beverages to patients on the ward
- Offering a kind and attentive service, ensuring patient dietary needs and preferences are met
- Keeping food service areas clean and compliant with hygiene and safety standards
- Helping to maintain a cheerful, positive atmosphere on the ward through friendly interaction
- Ensuring accurate documentation and reporting of food service as needed
- Working independently and as part of a team to meet daily service demands
About us:
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available. Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too. We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.
What We're Looking For:
- A positive, can-do attitude with a commitment to providing excellent service
- Friendly and approachable with strong communication skills
- Comfortable working in a busy hospital environment
- Flexible with shift patterns mornings or evenings on a rota basis
- Desirable: Level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety qualification or working towards
- Ability to pass a basic Maths and English assessment as part of the recruitment process
Person Specification:
Qualifications:
- Essential: Good level of basic education - able to demonstrate literacy, numeracy and comprehension skills
- Desirable: Food Safety and Health and Safety Level 2 (gained on the job)
Experience:
- Essential: Basic catering experience, Hygiene COSHH procedures
- Desirable: Experience in healthcare, Infection prevention and control
Skills:
- Essential: Good communication skills - able to read and understand written and verbal communication and instruction
- Able to deal confidently and professionally with members of the public and staff
- Customer focused
- Able to use own initiative to cope in a variety of situations
- Demonstrate adaptability
- Self-motivated and disciplined
- Good time management skills - able to plan and prioritise time and workload
- Ability to work as part of a team and independently
- Ability to respond quickly to problems
- Takes pride in own work
- Understanding of confidentiality
- Ability to act in ways that support equality and diversity
- Basic IT Skills
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 details:
Employer name: Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Wexham Park Hospital, Wexham Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL2 4HL, United Kingdom
Ward Host in Reading employer: National health service
The London Ambulance Service NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises patient safety and service improvement. With a strong commitment to employee development, including leadership training and apprenticeship programmes, staff are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to the health of London. The Trust's inclusive culture and focus on quality management ensure that employees feel valued and supported in their vital roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ward Host in Reading
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like National health service. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to National health service
Don't be shy about reaching out to National health service directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Ward Host in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about National health service and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at National health service
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!