Bank Housekeeper in Yeovil

Are you a Cleaner or Housekeeper looking for your next role? Do you want to work in a warm, supportive environment where you can make a real difference? St Margaret's Hospice has an opportunity for a Bank Housekeeper to join our Hotel Services Team.

As our Bank Housekeeper, you'll play a vital part in keeping our hospice clean, safe, and welcoming. Your work will support the smooth running of our Clinical Services and help create a comforting environment for patients, families, and visitors. Our housekeeping service operates five days a week, between 6am and 5pm, with shift patterns typically 6am to 2pm or 9am to 5pm. You'll also be part of a rota that includes some Saturdays and bank holidays.

In this rewarding role, you will:

• Maintain a high standard of cleanliness across all areas of the hospice and the spaces used by the Somerset Foundation Trust Oncology team.
• Work in line with NHS cleaning standards and national colour-coding to minimise infection risk.
• Use cleaning equipment and chemicals safely and effectively, reporting any issues promptly.
• Respond quickly to cleaning requests to ensure a safe and comfortable environment.
• Help induct new colleagues and contribute positively to the wider housekeeping team.
• Manage and replenish cleaning supplies and keep accurate records.
• Always maintain patient dignity and respect, working with empathy and professionalism.

At St Margaret's, every member of our team plays a vital role in delivering compassionate, patient-centred care. As a Bank Housekeeper, you'll be part of a supportive and friendly environment where your work matters.

• A flexible bank role to suit your lifestyle
• The chance to work in a compassionate, community-minded charity
• Free on-site parking at our Yeovil Hospice
• Training and support to develop your skills
• Volunteering and fundraising opportunities
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day

If you want to visit the Hospice, meet the team, or arrange a chat before applying, we'd love to hear from you.

Cleaning Responsibilities:

• Follow NHS cleaning standards and colour coding rules, and keep up to date records.
• Clean all areas of the hospice according to set schedules and record what you've done.
• Use cleaning equipment safely and effectively.
• Make sure all cleaning equipment is cleaned after use and stored safely.
• Use cleaning chemicals correctly by following the manufacturers' instructions.
• Report any broken equipment and take it out of use using the Estates defect log.
• Refill items like soap, paper towels and toilet rolls when needed.
• Keep track of cleaning supplies, order more when required, check deliveries, and record them properly.
• Respond quickly and accurately to requests for cleaning.
• Always respect the dignity and privacy of patients.
• Work both independently and as part of the team.
• Organise your workload well and prioritise tasks to support the service.
• Show empathy for hospice work and care genuinely for patients, families, visitors, and staff.
• Help train new staff and offer support as a mentor.
• Take care of your own safety and others' safety when using equipment or moving items.
• Correctly handle and dispose of waste, including hazardous, domestic, recycling and confidential waste, following Department of Health and hospice policies.
• Report incidents, near misses, and accidents using the electronic reporting system.

• Always follow infection control rules and be familiar with the relevant policies and guidance.
• Complete the required infection control training for your role.
• Always use the National Colour Coding Scheme to prevent cross-contamination and infection.

• Complete all mandatory training for your job.
• Be willing to take part in any other training the hospice provides to improve your skills and knowledge.

• Read and follow all hospice policies.
• Respect people's rights, beliefs, and personal choices.
• Value diversity and treat everyone as an individual.
• Be able to look after your own emotional wellbeing and cope with the emotional demands of working in a hospice.
• The job can be physically demanding, especially when certain areas need to be cleaned quickly.
• If the role requires you to travel, you'll need business car insurance in order to claim mileage.

The postholder will have the chance to build strong working relationships with the hotel services team, hospice staff, and volunteers. They will also work closely with the Yeovil Hospital Oncology Team, along with other hospice staff and volunteers.

• Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
• Basic IT Skills.
• QCF level 2 in Support Services or Level 2 in cleaning.
• Willingness to work towards a level 2 qualification in cleaning and infection prevention and control.
• Willingness to undertake in-house education courses related to specialist palliative care.
• Participate in team meetings.
• Be able to work under pressure and adapt work schedule to meet the requirements of the service.
• Experience of cleaning in a healthcare environment.
• Working with others.
• Team player.
• Be able to demonstrate effective communication, both verbal and written.
• Assist with induction of new team members.
• Some understanding of clinical care.

• Knowledge of NHS Cleaning standards and National Colour Coding.
• Knowledge of COSHH Regulations 2002.
• To be able to demonstrate an ability to organise, prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Experience of cleaning in a healthcare environment.
• A knowledge of work carried at the hospice.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Leading in your area.
• Demonstrate a respectful, non-judgemental, and caring attitude.
• Undertake role in line with hospice cleaning policy and all other related policies related to infection prevention & control.
• Consistent in standards of work in order that current cleaning audit standards are met.
• Ability to work various shift patterns.
• May be required to change shifts at short notice to cover sickness.
• Ability to share ideas for service improvement.

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.