Catering Assistant | Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
| Posting date: | 26 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £24,465 Per Annum |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 28 March 2026 |
| Location: | Dorchester, DT1 2JY |
| Company: | Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 7837017/405-26-EA128CAT |
Summary
Make a real difference every day by helping deliver nutritious, comforting meals to the patients, staff, and visitors who rely on Dorset County Hospital. Join a team where your care, energy, and teamwork truly matter.
As a Catering Assistant, you will be an integral part of a friendly and dynamic team committed to delivering exceptional service in a fast-paced hospital environment. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive and rewarding environment.
This is an exciting time to join us as we continue to develop and enhance our catering services. You’ll help prepare and serve meals across both patient and retail operations, operate catering equipment such as coffee machines and tills, and maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and food hygiene. With flexible shifts across mornings, lunchtimes, and evenings, this role offers variety, teamwork, and the chance to make a meaningful difference every day.
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with strong customer service skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn. You’ll receive full support, including online training and opportunities for development within a team that values integrity, respect, teamwork, and excellence. If you enjoy working with food, thrive in a busy environment, and want to be part of a welcoming and dedicated team, we’d love to hear from you.
As a Catering Assistant within the Catering Department, you will play a crucial role in delivering a high-quality service to the hospital, supporting the central meal service for patients, and maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness, food safety, and hygiene.
You will work collaboratively within a team, supporting both the patient meal service and the operation of the central dishwashing area.
Your responsibilities will include the mechanical washing of crockery, cutlery, and utensils used by patients, staff, and visitors, as well as ensuring general cleaning duties are carried out throughout the catering environment.
At Dorset County Hospital, we’re looking for dedicated people to join our catering team during an exciting period of change. You’ll help deliver high‑quality, locally sourced meals to patients while supporting improvements across the service.
Our team is small, supportive, and used to working under pressure. You’ll be encouraged to lead by example, motivate colleagues, and contribute to a positive, collaborative environment.
We’re committed to your development and wellbeing, offering guidance from HR and the Staff Union, along with wellbeing support such as Vivup and Steps to Wellbeing.
The catering department is a diverse, welcoming group that values teamwork and personal growth. Hard work is recognised, and those who show commitment will find opportunities to progress and feel genuinely valued as part of the team.
Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. Please scroll through to find the JD/PS appropriate to the role you are applying for. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.
Please contact us at Recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk if you are unable to view or download the attachment.
For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.
Right to Work in the UK:This role is not availablefor Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to support visa applications for this post in line with UKVI regulations.
This advert closes on Monday 30 Mar 2026
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