At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare, cook, and serve delicious meals for patients, staff, and visitors.
- Company: Join the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, a key player in healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, enhancements for weekends, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by providing quality meals in a caring hospital setting.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking and commitment to food hygiene and safety.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for training and career growth.
Overview
Working Hours : As & When Support the Deputy Head of Catering in achieving the highest standards of food preparation, cooking and service. The post holder will provide attractive and palatable meals to hospital patients, staff and visitors, and will adopt responsibility at all times for the quality and outcome of each dish prepared and each task undertaken.
Job Summary Working Hours : As & When. Support the Deputy Head of Catering in achieving the highest standards of food preparation, cooking and service. The post holder will provide attractive and palatable meals to hospital patients, staff and visitors, and will adopt responsibility at all times for the quality and outcome of each dish prepared and each task undertaken. The chef will have a commitment to the highest standards of personal hygiene and dress, and take full responsibility for ensuring safe food hygiene and health & safety practices are observed at all times. Assist in the preparation, cooking and service of food for Ellesmere Port Hospital.
Enhancements Apply As Follows: Saturday: Time plus 35%
Sunday/Bank Holiday – Times plus 69%
Main duties of the job
- Prepare, cook and serve meals as per menu to patients, staff and visitors, ensuring the highest standards of food hygiene throughout the process.
- Observe and maintain all necessary \’due diligence\’ records as requested, i.e.: Fridge, Freezer Temperature recordings, HACCP.
- Follow/implement all aspects of food safety management systems, for which you are responsible.
- Follow standard recipes and methods and make the most economical use of fresh/raw ingredients, whilst maintaining strict avoidance of waste.
- Allocate work to the kitchen support staff, in conjunction with the Deputy Head /Manager, and assist in the induction and training of newly appointed Chefs, catering assistants and porters.
- Check that all food received is in accordance with quality and quantity ordered, adopting basic stock control principles.
- Assist in the ordering of certain perishable foods and dairy store items.
About Us
The Trust\’s services are provided from three locations:
- The Countess of Chester Hospital: providing 473 general and acute beds.
- Ellesmere Port Hospital: providing 60 beds as a rehabilitation, intermediate and outpatient facility.
- Tarporley War Memorial Hospital: a base for community services which serve the local rural population.
The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust employs 5,964 staff (headcount) to provide care and treatment to a population of over 400,000 people living in Chester and West Cheshire which includes Ellesmere Port and Neston as well as the Deeside area of Flintshire.
The Trust works collaboratively within the wider Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System. Due to its location on the border with North Wales, the Trust also works closely with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
The Trust treats patients from England and some parts of Wales. During 2024/2025, there were approximately 643,000 patient attendances (inpatient, A&E, outpatient and diagnostic) ranging from a simple outpatient appointment to major cancer surgery.
Details
Date posted 04 February 2026
Pay scheme Agenda for change
Band Band 3
Salary £24,937 to £26,598 a year pa pro rata
Contract Bank
Working pattern Flexible working
Reference number 210-2026-24-BANK-A
Job locations Countess of Chester Hospital, Liverpool Road, Chester, CH2 1UL
Job Description
Job responsibilities See Job Description For Further Details. Recruitment selection processes are based on competence (see Person specification) and values.
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs will be deducted from their salary over the first three months of employment. You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £16 per year applies. New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above. Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date. Good luck with your application.
Person Specification
Essential
Qualifications
- City & Guilds 706/1&2 or NVQ Equivalent
- Good standard of English & Maths
- Level 3 Award in Food Safety – Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate
- Basic health & Safety Certificate and Allergen Awareness
Desirable
- Nebosh
- Level 4 Food Safety Management
Knowledge and Experience
- Experience in the preparation of therapeutic diets
- Working knowledge of HACCP principles and their specific application for catering
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 Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address Countess of Chester Hospital, Liverpool Road, Chester, CH2 1UL
Employer\’s website https://www.coch.nhs.uk/working-with-us.aspx
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Chef - Bank (Band 3) employer: Western Collegiate Club Hockey Association
Contact Detail:
Western Collegiate Club Hockey Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef - Bank (Band 3)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen vibe! If you can, visit the hospital's catering department before applying. Chat with the team, see how they work, and get a feel for their standards. This will help you tailor your approach when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you have a chance, bring a sample of your cooking or share a recipe that highlights your creativity. This can really impress during any informal meet-ups or interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff on LinkedIn or at local events. They might give you insider tips about the role or even put in a good word for you. Remember, we love referrals!
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk food safety! Brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene practices and HACCP guidelines. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef - Bank (Band 3)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and commitment to quality, as this will resonate with us at StudySmarter.
Highlight Your Hygiene Standards: Since food hygiene is super important in this role, make sure to mention your understanding of food safety practices. We want to see that you take personal hygiene and food safety seriously, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Tailor your application by including specific examples of your previous work in kitchens. Whether it’s preparing meals or managing kitchen staff, we want to know how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Western Collegiate Club Hockey Association
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the menu and any special dietary requirements that may be relevant to the role. Being able to discuss how you would prepare and present meals for patients, staff, and visitors will show your passion and understanding of the position.
✨Showcase Your Hygiene Standards
Emphasise your commitment to food hygiene and safety practices during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous roles, including any relevant certifications or training you've completed.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working closely with kitchen support staff and other chefs, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share experiences where you've successfully trained or supported colleagues, showcasing your leadership and communication skills.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food preparation techniques, stock control, and waste management. Brush up on your knowledge of HACCP and be ready to explain how you would implement these systems in the kitchen to ensure quality and safety.
