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Catering Assistant (P/T 30 hrs p/w)NHS

Reading, RG1 5AN Permanent £25,272
Posted 25 September 2026 Closing date 8 October 2026
Reading Rail Station (0.8 miles, direct) Wallingford (Cholsey & Wallingford Railway) (12.7 miles, direct) Purley Social Club (4.7 miles, direct)

Job summary

Band 2 Catering Assistant / Catering Facilities Assistant

This is a part-time post for 30 hours per week (Approx 16:00-20:00 Monday to Friday)

The post holder is expected to:

  • To work as part of the catering team in producing approximately 1600 patient meals and the serving of 700 customers in the restaurant per day.
  • To provide catering assistant / store portering duties to ensure the smooth, efficient and safe running of the catering function, stores and all its services to the standards outlined. Including the receiving, checking and appropriate storage of all food and catering supplies, undertaking interdepartmental deliveries. All food safety policies and procedures, accurate record keeping and adherence to health, safety and quality control measures.
  • To assist in maintaining a clean, tidy and safe department, whilst providing the customer with pleasant and efficient service. Carrying out duties in line with the department's working procedures.
  • To assist with the smooth running and appearance of the Trust, the post holder is expected to be flexible and work across the Facilities Directorate and the Trust, as required and appropriate to the grade.
  • Provide and assist with the provision of the services described to a high standard, ensuring effective operation of the hospital organisation

Main duties of the job

  • Deliver a high-quality catering service in line with Trust policies, procedures, SLAs, health and safety and food service standards.
  • Prepare, portion, present and serve food for patients and other catering services, maintaining appropriate quality and presentation standards.
  • Undertake basic food preparation and cooking, including salads, sandwiches, breakfasts, vegetables and other food items as required.
  • Receive, check, order, store and distribute catering supplies, including deliveries to wards and departments, and report any discrepancies.
  • Maintain stock levels and undertake stock taking, stock control and preparation of goods for future food production.
  • Operate catering equipment, including dismantling, reassembling, cleaning and ensuring equipment is safe and fit for use.
  • Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and environmental safety across catering areas, including completing required cleaning, temperature and wastage records.
  • Provide effective customer service and communicate food service information to patients, staff, ward teams and members of the public.
  • Organise and prioritise own workload, provide cover across the catering service as required, and support colleagues to maintain service continuity.
  • Support, train and demonstrate duties and procedures to new and less experienced colleagues, while identifying and reporting safety, maintenance and equipment issues.

Job description

Please refer to the attached Job Description & Person Specification for further details regarding the role

About us

Reading sits on the river Thames and is served by great road and rail links to London, Oxford and Southampton. With excellent leisure and shopping facilities, and a thriving cultural scene, Reading is a wonderful place to live, work and play and provides excellent facilities for families, including some of the best state and private schools in the UK.

The CQC recently rated the care provided by The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust as Good.

Our values: Compassionate, Aspirational, Resourceful, Excellent, reflect the type of Trust we aspire to be and you can join our dedicated and talented staff to make this happen.

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