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NHS Scotland
Catering Assistant - INTERNAL ONLY TO NHS AYRSHIRE AND ARRAN
Ayr On-site 0-2 yrs exp Hospitals and Health Care 7,636 employees
Food PreparationMeal ServiceFood DistributionKitchen CleaningWash-Up Duties
Requirements
Good communication skills, flexibility, and the ability to work effectively in a busy team and fast-paced environment are required; previous catering or food service experience is advantageous, with training provided. Knowledge of IDDSI and therapeutic diets is beneficial, and a current Food Hygiene Certificate is desirable or must be completed within the first three months of employment.
Job Description
NHS Scotland
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
Note that this post is only open to internal staff of NHS Ayrshire & Arran.
Who We Are
NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland.
In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.
To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website -
AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your applicationbut your answers must be your own.
Position
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Catering Assistant based at University Hospital Ayr. This post is offered on a permanent basis.
Please note that we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once enough applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at your earliest opportunity.
Hours
13.45 hours per week
Week 1: Friday 09.45 - 15.30, Saturday and Sunday 09.45 - 13.45.
Week 2: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 09.45 - 13.45 and Thursday 09.45 - 15.30.
What You Will Do
As part of the Catering Production and Services Team, you will support the delivery of high quality catering services by assisting with food preparation, meal service, distribution, wash-up duties, and cleaning activities for patients, staff, visitors, and hospitality functions.
This post is based within a busy production kitchen environment, with the majority of duties focused on the assisting in preparation and delivery of therapeutic diets. The role supports the Diet Cook in meeting patient meal requirements in accordance with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) Framework. A working knowledge of IDDSI principles is essential to ensure compliance and patient safety.
For further information on the role please click the link below to view the job description.
Knowledge, Training And/or Experience Required For This Post
You will work as part of a busy team and should have good communication skills, a flexible approach, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Previous experience in a catering or food service setting would be advantageous, although full training will be provided. Knowledge of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) Framework and an understanding of therapeutic diets would be beneficial, particularly in relation to the safe preparation and service of texture-modified foods and fluids.
A current Food Hygiene Certificate is desirable; however, successful candidates who do not hold this qualification will be required to complete food hygiene training within the first three months of employment.
For further information on the requirements for the role please click the link below to view the person specification.
If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact Wendy Bone, Catering Manager on 01292 614521.
Right to Work / Certificates of Sponsorship
To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack.
It is essential that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored before submitting your application form.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran may be able to offer visa sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. When considering if a post meets the salary threshold for sponsorship, please note the salary advertised is based on a full-time contract and must be pro-rated for part-time positions. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre-employment checks.
Please visit for further information.
We are unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 posts or bank contracts.
Additional Information For Candidates
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
Note that this post is only open to internal staff of NHS Ayrshire & Arran.
Who We Are
NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland.
In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.
To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website -
AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your applicationbut your answers must be your own.
- Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
- Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
- Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.
Position
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Catering Assistant based at University Hospital Ayr. This post is offered on a permanent basis.
Please note that we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once enough applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at your earliest opportunity.
Hours
13.45 hours per week
Week 1: Friday 09.45 - 15.30, Saturday and Sunday 09.45 - 13.45.
Week 2: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 09.45 - 13.45 and Thursday 09.45 - 15.30.
What You Will Do
As part of the Catering Production and Services Team, you will support the delivery of high quality catering services by assisting with food preparation, meal service, distribution, wash-up duties, and cleaning activities for patients, staff, visitors, and hospitality functions.
This post is based within a busy production kitchen environment, with the majority of duties focused on the assisting in preparation and delivery of therapeutic diets. The role supports the Diet Cook in meeting patient meal requirements in accordance with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) Framework. A working knowledge of IDDSI principles is essential to ensure compliance and patient safety.
For further information on the role please click the link below to view the job description.
Knowledge, Training And/or Experience Required For This Post
You will work as part of a busy team and should have good communication skills, a flexible approach, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Previous experience in a catering or food service setting would be advantageous, although full training will be provided. Knowledge of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) Framework and an understanding of therapeutic diets would be beneficial, particularly in relation to the safe preparation and service of texture-modified foods and fluids.
A current Food Hygiene Certificate is desirable; however, successful candidates who do not hold this qualification will be required to complete food hygiene training within the first three months of employment.
For further information on the requirements for the role please click the link below to view the person specification.
If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact Wendy Bone, Catering Manager on 01292 614521.
Right to Work / Certificates of Sponsorship
To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack.
It is essential that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored before submitting your application form.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran may be able to offer visa sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. When considering if a post meets the salary threshold for sponsorship, please note the salary advertised is based on a full-time contract and must be pro-rated for part-time positions. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre-employment checks.
Please visit for further information.
We are unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 posts or bank contracts.
Additional Information For Candidates
- You should apply for this post by completing the application process on NHS Jobs Scotland.
- DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for shortlisting purposes.
- Posts close at midnight on the indicated date. Late applications will not be accepted.
- For help to complete an application on NHS Jobs Scotland, please follow this link:
- To view our accessibility statement, please follow this link:
- Please note that our correspondence method is by email, therefore please ensure you enter your email address accurately.
- Please check your email regularly (including junk folders) and your NHS Jobs Scotland account for updates.
- Please contact JobTrain Candidate Support Hub: - for advice and support with any system issues.
- We recommend using the Internet Browser “Google Chrome” or “Microsoft Edge” when using JobTrain.
- Once you have submitted your application form you will be unable to make any amendments.
- Some of our vacancies are for internal candidates only. If you are a staff member, please ensure you update your NHS Jobs Scotland account profile to reflect that you are employed by NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
- Please note, for all vacancies where a driving licence is required this must be a full UK/EU/EEA licence.
Skills
Food PreparationMeal ServiceFood DistributionKitchen CleaningWash-Up DutiesTherapeutic DietsIDDSI PrinciplesTexture-Modified Food PreparationFood HygieneCommunicationTeamworkFlexibilityWorking In A Fast-Paced EnvironmentPatient Safety