At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Ward Host, delivering meals and excellent service to patients.
- Company: Serco provides essential public services globally, focusing on healthcare and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 25 days annual leave, discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in patients' lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Good numeracy and literacy skills; experience in food service is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusion.
University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD
Various Shifts Available:
- Monday – Friday 0730 – 1400 hours
- Monday – Friday 1400 – 1900 hours
- Monday – Friday 1330 – 1930 hours
- Monday – Friday 1430 – 1900 hours
Salary - £12.36 per hour plus Serco benefits.
Here at Serco, we are looking for Ward Hosts to join our team at University Hospital Southampton. Our Ward Hosts work as part of the Ward Patient Catering team, ensuring high quality hospitality service is provided. They are responsible for taking orders and delivering a meal and drinks service, providing excellent customer service and care to patients. Meals are ordered using an electronic ordering system, and then prepared by the hospital kitchens and sent down to each ward to be delivered by the team.
Working as a ward host is highly rewarding. You will have a good level of numeracy and literacy skills, including reading and writing. Ideally, you will have worked within a food service environment or catering industry, and you must understand the importance of hygiene and safety and special diet awareness. Strong customer service skills are a key part of this role, not only will you be serving food and beverages to the patients, but you will be interacting with them on a day-to-day basis. Positive communication can make a patient’s day that little bit brighter, so we need passionate and enthusiastic ward hosts on our team!
This is a physically demanding role, and the post holder will be expected to stand for long periods of time with manual handling involved.
Why Serco
- Meaningful and vital work: Working within soft services at Serco means that you’ll play a critical role in ensuring that patients continue to receive the care they need 24/7.
- A world of opportunity: It takes a diverse team to support a hospital and we’re big on internal progression. So whether you specialise your skills, progress into team management or move into operations, you’ll find all the opportunity you need to evolve your career.
- Great people: Hospitals are busy places, and your role will see you interact with NHS staff, patients, and of course your supportive team. You will be part of the hospital.
What we offer:
- Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Simply Health Plans, Annual Leave Purchase Scheme and more
- Access to a huge range of discounts and exclusive deals such as Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure and Hospitality discounts
- A fantastic culture and supportive team where you’ll get the chance to make a positive difference in a company passionate about diversity and inclusion
- Company discounts which include cinema, merlin entertainment and online shopping and discounts on mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships.
- Interesting and enjoyable work
- Committed to professional and personal development with a wide range of training and coaching opportunities to expand your capabilities
About Serco
At Serco, not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services. We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone.
By joining Serco you will have unlimited access to our Global Employee Networks – Serco Inspire (Gender), Serco Embrace (Multicultural), Serco Unlimited (Disability) and In@Serco (LGBT & Networks). Serco Employee Networks, led by colleagues who are passionate about diversity, inclusion and belonging.
Apply
Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.
At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. We operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly Disability Confident Leader employers and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.
For help with your application please contact 0345 010 4000. At Serco we support fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some may be exempt due to the nature of the role and the security clearance required). Please contact our recruitment team directly on 0345 010 4000 to discuss.
Ward Host employer: Serco
Contact Detail:
Serco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ward Host
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the hospital environment and the specific needs of patients. Understanding the dynamics of a healthcare setting can help you communicate effectively with both patients and staff, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in food service or catering during your interactions. Even if it's informal, showcasing your familiarity with food hygiene and customer service will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for patient care and hospitality during any conversations or interviews. A positive attitude and genuine passion for making a difference in patients' lives can leave a lasting impression on the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Serco or University Hospital Southampton. They can provide valuable insights into the role and company culture, which can help you tailor your approach and show that you're a good fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Ward Host
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Ward Host. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the requirements.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in food service or customer care. Emphasise any previous roles where you demonstrated strong communication skills and an understanding of hygiene and safety standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for providing excellent customer service. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to interact positively with patients and work in a team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
As a Ward Host, you'll be interacting with patients daily. Highlight your previous customer service experience and share examples of how you've positively impacted someone's day through your interactions.
✨Understand the Role's Demands
This role is physically demanding, so be prepared to discuss your ability to handle long shifts and manual handling tasks. Mention any relevant experience that demonstrates your physical stamina and commitment.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Hygiene Standards
Since hygiene and safety are crucial in a hospital setting, brush up on food safety regulations and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you ensure cleanliness and safety in food service environments.
✨Express Your Passion for Patient Care
Serco values individuals who are enthusiastic about making a difference in patients' lives. Share your motivation for wanting to work in this role and how you can contribute to creating a positive atmosphere for patients.