At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in serving meals and support residents with their dining experience.
- Company: Join a caring team at Bickerley Green Care Home.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training provided, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Friendly environment with a focus on teamwork and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older adults every day.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your passion and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 24796 - 25128 £ per year.
Salary Range: £24,796 - £25,128 pro-rata, per annum (actual salary £20,774 - £21,052 per annum)
Work Location: Bickerley Green Care Home, Ringwood
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 16 July 2026
The Role:
Join our friendly and supportive team as a Catering Assistant at Bicklerley Green Care Home for older adults.
What you’ll do:
- Provide assistance during mealtimes: Serve residents their meals and support them with eating and drinking, ensuring they enjoy high-quality, nutritious meals that are tailored to their dietary needs.
- Food preparation: Assist with food preparation, including special diets for individual residents.
- Cleaning: Carry out scheduled cleaning, including surfaces, floors, walls, and equipment, to maintain essential kitchen hygiene and cleanliness.
- Hygiene and safety: Ensure strict adherence to food hygiene, health, and safety regulations.
- Build relationships: Deliver a person-centred catering service, and develop positive connections with residents as you assist them with their meals.
What we’re looking for:
- No experience necessary – we provide all the training you need to be a great Catering Assistant. What’s more important to us is that you have the right values, skills and motivations to provide high quality support.
- Knowledge: Level 2 in Food Safety (or equivalent), or be willing to complete within 3 months of starting in the role. Understanding of kitchen hygiene.
- Team player: Enjoys working in a team, using strong communication and relationship building skills.
- Able to use initiative: Can problem-solve in a practical way and respond appropriately where additional help is needed or in emergencies.
- Resilient: Able to work effectively and calmly under pressure, adapting positively to changing situations and demands.
- Respect and patience: Treat residents with dignity and adapt to their individual needs.
Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Catering Assistant role, team and our values. The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values in your application.
Rewarding Work: Make a real difference in the lives of our residents and know that you can help improve the quality of life of others and make a lasting impact on the lives of those you care for.
Supportive Environment: Work in a friendly and collaborative team who feel proud of the work they do to support people in our community.
Professional Growth: We invest in your future. With ongoing development opportunities, you’ll have the chance to enhance your skills and advance your career in the care sector.
This role involves some weekend and bank holidays working, for which enhancements are paid in line with the HCC salary policy.
Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.
Values Based Recruitment: We recruit for attitudes and values in Adults’ Health and Care. We invite you to evidence how you demonstrate our 5 core values in your application. For more information on our values, please refer to the candidate pack.
This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
Catering Assistant employer: Shared Services Partnership
Shared Services Partnership is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working hours and a competitive leave entitlement, this role as an Occupational Health Advisor allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in the UK.
Contact Details:
Shared Services Partnership Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant
✨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 Shared Services Partnership. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Shared Services Partnership
Don't be shy about reaching out to Shared Services Partnership 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 Catering Assistant
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 Shared Services Partnership 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 Shared Services Partnership
✨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!
