General Assistant

The University

At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.

Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.

At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here

The Department and role purpose

“Passionately delivering an outstanding experience”

We are a team of over 500, providing fresh and exciting catering throughout Durham University. This includes college dining halls, college bars, college cafés, visitor attractions and branded retail catering outlets.

Our students are extremely important to us, but we also provide catering to University colleagues, commercial guests, and VIPs including royalty.

General Assistants are responsible for supporting a professional, responsive and efficient catering service for students, staff and visitors, ensuring that food production is presented, served, replenished to an exceptional standard and in line with standard operating procedures. The post holder will also assist with day-to-day cleaning of kitchen and catering equipment, receipt and storage of goods, checking and signing for deliveries.

Catering team members will be expected to adopt and promote a flexible approach to working, and to undertake any or all of the tasks outlined below regardless of their designated shift.

Successful candidates are expected to promote a positive image of University Catering and Durham University at all times.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 27 Days annual leave per year (in additional to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year), a total of 39 days. No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• Discounts via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• On site nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers)
• If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications, to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
• Generous pension schemes.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role including:

Essential

Desirable

How to Apply

We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.

We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

Who to contact for more information

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Dave Walker would be happy to speak to you. David.walker@durham.ac.uk

Typical Role Requirements

Service Delivery

• Complete a set of tasks/procedures within a team to deliver a service to customers.
• Follow instructions from a supervisor to identify what and how to deliver a set of tasks or processes.
• Learn the correct methods and tasks to undertake the role.
• Learn and adhere to general health, safety, and security procedures within the service area in line with Health & Safety at Work guidelines, including departmental systems for health & safety and food safety.
• Learn and complete work in accordance with risk assessments and departmental procedures for health & safety and food safety specific to the nature of the work area and environment.
• Ensure that food is appropriately produced, presented, served, and replenished.
• Maintain wash up and food production areas and equipment to an exceptional standard of cleanliness.
• Learn how to, and use task specific manual and specialist tools to deliver services
• Where directed wear and use personal protective equipment and clothing to carry out tasks, including uniform.
• Use a range of equipment, tools and resources, digital devices, software and applications where necessary.
• Record and store information in a prescribed order.
• Carry out basic administrative tasks under supervision.
• Learn how to, and use manual and electronic everyday tools, equipment and applications to deliver services
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and the University’s values.

Team

• Support your team members daily and assist when instructed.
• Assist team members to deliver an excellent student, staff or visitor service.
• Assist other team members with the application of basic audit and stock control tasks.

Communication/Personal

• Be a committed colleague to our core values and behaviours.
• Communicate with supervisor, team members, other staff, students and visitors in person or using electronic tools and applications.
• Anticipate individual needs of students, staff and visitors and proactively provide assistance where required.
• Share menu and food product knowledge, including answering questions regarding individual allergen and dietary requirements
• Ensure that all feedback is brought to the attention of your line manager
• Any other reasonable duties.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.