Catering Assistant, Royal Berkshire NHS, Reading – Visa Sponsorship Available

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a part-time Catering Assistant in Reading, offering a Band 2 salary for this permanent role. This position is ideal for Nigerian and African immigrants seeking to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is explicitly available for foreign applicants. Enjoy a stable NHS career with excellent benefits, including generous leave and pension schemes.

Job Description

As a Catering Assistant, you will be an integral part of a busy team, contributing to the daily production of approximately 1600 patient meals and serving around 700 customers in the hospital restaurant. Your duties will encompass a wide range of catering functions, from basic food preparation and cooking to ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the catering department.

Key responsibilities include receiving, checking, and storing food supplies, undertaking interdepartmental deliveries, and maintaining meticulous records in line with food safety policies. You will also be responsible for operating and cleaning catering equipment, upholding high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, and providing excellent customer service to patients, staff, and visitors.

Requirements

• Ability to work effectively as part of a catering team in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of food safety, hygiene, and health and safety standards.
• Experience in basic food preparation, cooking, and serving.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and manage stock.
• For foreign applicants, eligibility for a UK Skilled Worker visa (Tier 2) and willingness to undergo the sponsorship process is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive NHS Band 2 salary.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Excellent NHS Pension Scheme.
• Opportunities for training and career development within the NHS.
• Access to NHS staff discounts and health & wellbeing support.

How to Prepare

For Nigerians and other African immigrants eyeing this Catering Assistant role, presenting a UK-optimised application is crucial. Ensure your CV highlights any experience in large-scale catering, hospitality, or healthcare support, focusing on transferable skills like food hygiene, customer service, and teamwork. Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of NHS values and your commitment to high standards of care, explicitly mentioning your need for visa sponsorship.

During the interview, be ready to discuss your practical skills in food handling and preparation, your ability to follow strict health and safety protocols, and your flexibility to work within a dynamic hospital environment. Prepare to articulate how your background aligns with the responsibilities, and confidently address your visa status, reiterating your readiness for the sponsorship process.

• Update your CV to a UK format, showcasing relevant catering or hospitality experience.
• Prepare a compelling cover letter that addresses the job description and your visa sponsorship needs.
• Familiarise yourself with basic food safety regulations and NHS values.
• Practice interview questions related to teamwork, customer service, and problem-solving in a catering setting.
• Gather professional references, ideally from previous employers, in advance.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa / Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship is AVAILABLE for this Catering Assistant position, meaning foreign applicants (non-UK residents) are encouraged to apply. The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is open to sponsoring eligible candidates for a UK work visa. If you are unsure about your eligibility or current right-to-work status, it is advisable to contact the recruiting department directly via the NHS Jobs portal for clarification before applying.