Catering Assistant - Synchronicity Care Ltd

The closing date is 31 October 2025

Job summary

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, self-motivated and committed individual to influence and contribute as part of the award winning Catering Services team at Darlington Memorial Hospital . The shift pattern is predominantly Monday to Friday between 7am and 3pm but required to work occasional weekends

We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable and self-motivated people to become a part of our team for the safe production of over 17,000 meals per week within a Central Production Unit(CPU) .

Successful applicants will be expected to display their ability to operate in a very busy environment whilst displaying Impeccable hygiene standards, knowledge and practices.

The successful applicant will have :

A good knowledge of catering practices and procedures will be required which may have been gained in a similar hospital environment or in the catering private sector.

Sound knowledge of food hygiene regulations.

Good knowledge of ingredient recipes and associated allergens will also be essential.

Demonstrate a can do attitude

Level 2 Certificate in Food Hygiene

Main duties of the job

To work under the direction of the Food Production Supervisors to assist with the preparation and cooking of nutritious and appetizing meals according to planned menus, using specified recipes, methods and systems for cook chill

Ensure high standards of food quality from point of purchase to meal preparation, cooking and service, ensuring quality control process throughout.

To ensure temperature monitoring and recording of all produced meals/foodstuffs and food storage equipment in accordance with standards as laid down in the Catering Departments Policies and Procedures and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points(HACCP)

To assist and comply in the general cleaning of premises/equipment in accordance with agreed cleaning schedules as specified

To display a high standard of personal hygiene

About us

SCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) set up to deliver a range of non-clinical services The company is a separate legal body to CDDFT.

SCL offers its own Terms and Conditions of employment which differ to the national NHS Terms and Conditions. As an employee in the company you will benefit from:

A Competitive salary
Access to a pension scheme – National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) CDD Services will pay a 3% contribution (this is over and above the minimum contribution rate at the present time)
Night Shift Working Allowances (where appropriate)
Bank Holiday Working Allowances (where appropriate)

Bank work is offered on an ‘as and when’ basis with no guaranteed hours and will be paid on a pro-rata hourly rate for hours worked only

Job description

Job responsibilities

To support and assist the Food Production Supervisor and Food Production Manager in the production of a high quality meals at Darlington Memorial Hospital and to ensure that high quality standards are met at all times

Comply with HACCP procedures set within the Catering Department

To follow the policies and procedures laid down by the catering services in the day to day operational management of food production and to ensure a high quality and cost effective service

To ensure that food safety and allergen regulations are adhered to at all times.

Co-operating with other members of the CPU Catering Team to maintain and improve the present high standard of catering service, for staff and visitors and external contracts

To deal effectively and courteously with colleagues, patients and staff throughout the organisation and members of the public and to deal with customer complaints and concerns with a high level of customer service and passing these onto your supervisor to deal with or for information

Initially deal with any complaints / comments regarding the service in a courteous manner from Trust staff or patients.

Work in a safe manner so that no other persons are put at risk whilst completing the required duties.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Level 2 Certificate in Food Hygiene (E) Basic English and maths (E) A good standard of literacy and numeracy (E)

Desirable

COSSH(D)
Health and safety(D)

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

Natural & enthusiastic staff member(E)
Ability to follow clear instructions and feedback to senior staff (E) Committed to quality customer care/delivering excellent customer service.(E)
Effective interpersonal skills (E)
Able to work with minimal supervision following set procedures. (E) Flexible approach to work and adaptable to change(E) Good manual dexterity, physical fitness(E) Good timekeeping(E)
Basic numeracy(E)
Knowledge of food safety and allergen regulations (E)

Desirable

Basic keyboard skills (D)

Special Requirements

Essential

Ability to work shifts and weekends and have flexibility to needs of the service(E)

Desirable

Health and safety(D)
Clean driving license (D)

Special Requirements

Essential

Ability to work shifts and weekends and have flexibility to needs of the service(E)

Desirable

Health and safety(D)
Clean driving license (D)

Experience

Essential

Experience of working within a kitchen environment(E)

Desirable

Cook Chill Experience(D)

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.