Ward Caterer

Main area Ward Caterer Grade NHS AfC: Band 2 Contract Permanent Hours Part time – 30 hours per week (6 hour shifts AM or PM – various contracted hours available) Job ref 388-7779272-CORP

Employer Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Torbay Hospital Town Torquay Salary £24,465 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 05/03/2026 23:59

NHS AfC: Band 2

Job overview

We have an opportunity for an individual to join our catering team on permanent contract working part time hours in the catering teamto provide ward based catering services to our patients.

As a ward cater you will be required to provide the patient meal service and beverage services at ward level therefore, we are looking for an individual who is polite, courteous and helpful to our patients and staff.

It is important you comply with all HACCP food safety requirements and legislation and will work as part of the ward based team, ensuring a high quality food service and presentation of meals including breakfast, lunch and supper services.

You will be responsible for the co-ordination of all patient food and beverage services in accordance with the NPSA Nutritional Guidelines andexpected to comply with all Trust Infection Control policies and conduct him/her self at all times in a manner as to minimise the risk of healthcare associated infections.

Main duties of the job

• Ensure high standards when working individually or as part of the team and be aware of the Trust’s objectives and priorities. The Trust’s success depends on all staff playing an active role to make sure the existing areas of good practices are universally embedded within the organisation.
• Understand the Trust’s key priorities and those for your Directorate and Service, help translate these into key priorities for your work place.
• Understand level one Equality and Diversity.
• Maintain good working relationships with colleagues.
• To respond with humanity and kindness to every person, by listening attentively and respecting others in conversations.
• To attend specified shifts as required.
• Promote an effective team ethos.
• To provide the highest quality of customer service by listening to and acting on feedback.
• Fully engage in the annual review process.
• Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and appearance including laundering own uniform according to Trust policy.
• To use all PPE as required.
• Helping and supporting your colleagues so that you work well together to achieve common goals and objectives.
• Take part in regular team meetings/talks to achieve the best possible outcomes for our customers.
• To value and treat your team members equally and with respect.
• To strive to provide excellent, innovative services that helps our patients/clients customers have a good and professionally delivered healthcare experience

Working for our organisation

At Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, our success starts with you. The Catering Department is seeking motivated team members to assist in the provision of our patient meal service.

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the first successful integrated care Foundation trusts in the UK with a reputation and a tradition of innovation which prides itself on its investment in staff both in terms of developing career skills but also its commitment to staff health and wellbeing.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Full vacancy details can be found on the attached job description and person specification.

Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification.

Person specification

Qualifications & Training

• Willingness to undertake training relevant to the post
• Basic numeracy and literacy skills
• Basic IT skills
• NVQ Customer Care Training
• COSHH & Health and Safety

Knowledge and experience

• Good verbal and written skills
• Ability to communicate at all levels, including staff, patients, visitors
• Smart, clean and tidy appearance
• Enthusiastic, approachable and confident
• Multi – Skilled and flexible
• Working in a hospital environment or hotel services environment
• Knowledge of catering equipment

You will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. As the first fully integrated care organisation in England, we are working to improve the way we deliver safe, high-quality health and social care. We have a positive and vibrant working atmosphere, we are proud of our investment in our staff both in terms of developing potential career skills and valuing people.

If you provide support to a family member or friend with health or care needs, we aim to be a Carer-friendly employer. We have a ‘Staff Carers’ policy which includes flexible working where possible and a Carer’s Passport scheme that links you into support and discounts.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we encourage you to apply promptly.
• Please read the job description carefully and tailor your application to reflect the requirements of the role.
• Applicants who identify in their application form they are a part of the Armed Forces community will be guaranteed an interview, provided they meet the minimum essential criteria outlined in the job description and person specification for the role. Step into Health guidance can be found on our NHS Employers website.
• Correspondence will be sent via Trac, text, and email. Please ensure you check your email and Trac account regularly.
• Applicants with no previous NHS experience will ordinarily be appointed to the minimum of the band.
• If you have not received an invitation to interview within 28 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
• It is your responsibility to ensure the timely receipt of appropriate references.

The Trust is committed to preventing discrimination, valuing diversity and achieving equality of opportunity. No person (staff, patient or public) will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of the nine protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. If you require support you can obtain this from our Equality Business Forum which has representatives from all protected groups.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.