Cook

Job description

Job summary

Are you passionate about preparing nutritious, high-quality meals and delivering a service thatmakes a real difference to people's wellbeing? We are looking for a dedicated Cook to join theCatering Department at Withybush General Hospital.

As part of our commitment to improving the dining experience for patients, we are moving froma frozen cook system to a fresh cook approach, creating a wider range of homemade meals,from hearty main dishes to delicious puddings. Our aim is to provide high-quality, freshlyprepared food packed with nutrition and flavour, offering meal choices that support recoveryand wellbeing and that we can be proud of.

This 30-hour post includes a combination of early shifts (6:30am-2:30pm), servery shifts(9:00am-5:00pm) cooking for staff and visitors, and late shifts (10:30am-6:30pm), together withone relief week within the rota.

Main duties of the job

We are passionate about food and are looking for the right person to help us deliver the verybest nutritional care to the people of Pembrokeshire. This role offers the opportunity to useyour culinary skills in a rewarding healthcare environment, preparing fresh, homemade mealsthat make a real difference to patients every day. With a 30-hour contract worked across fourdays, a planned shift pattern and three weekends off in every six, the role provides theconsistency and balance to enjoy a fulfilling career alongside life outside of work.

Working within a busy hospital catering environment, you will be responsible for thepreparation and production of meals for patients, while also supporting food provision for staffand visitors.

As part of Hywel Dda University Health Board, you will join a supportive team committed todelivering high-quality services to our local communities, where your skills and dedication willmake a valuable contribution every day.

About us

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

• Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will take place on 11/11/2026

Job description
Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will take place on 11/11/2026

Person Specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

Essential

• Basic level of general education
• City and Guilds 706 1 and 2 or equivalent
• NVQ Level 3 in Food Preparation
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• Detailed Food Hygiene knowledge and knowledge of HACCP systems

Desirable

• Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate
• Advanced Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to achieve)
• Health and Safety, COSHH, Moving and Handling knowledge

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience of similar cooks duties

Desirable

• Experience in similar size establishment or organisation
• Experience of special dietary needs

Language Requirements

Desirable

• Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge

Essential

• Basic level of general education
• City and Guilds 706 1 and 2 or equivalent
• NVQ Level 3 in Food Preparation
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• Detailed Food Hygiene knowledge and knowledge of HACCP systems

Desirable

• Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate
• Advanced Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to achieve)
• Health and Safety, COSHH, Moving and Handling knowledge

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience of similar cooks duties

Desirable

• Experience in similar size establishment or organisation
• Experience of special dietary needs

Language Requirements

Desirable

• Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. .

Additional information
Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. .

Employer details

Employer name

Hywel Dda University Health Board
Address

Withybush General Hospital

Fishguard Road

Haverforwest

SA61 2PZ

United Kingdom

Employer's website