Catering Assistant

20 hours per week.

We are a warm and welcoming dementia care home dedicated to providing exceptional care in a homely environment. Our residents are at the heart of everything we do, and mealtimes are a vital part of their daily routine—providing not just nourishment, but comfort, dignity, and joy.

As a Part-Time Catering Assistant, you’ll play a key role in supporting the preparation and delivery of nutritious, well-presented meals tailored to the needs of our residents. You’ll work closely with the kitchen team to maintain high standards of hygiene and food safety, while also engaging with residents in a respectful and compassionate manner.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and serving of meals, snacks, and beverages
• Support the kitchen team with basic food prep, plating, and portioning
• Ensure all kitchen and dining areas are kept clean, tidy, and hygienic
• Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment in line with infection control standards
• Follow dietary requirements and texture-modified meal plans for residents with specific needs
• Adhere to all food safety, health & safety, and infection control policies

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience in a catering or care setting is desirable but not essential
• A kind, patient, and respectful approach to working with older people, especially those living with dementia
• Basic understanding of food hygiene (Level 2 Food Safety Certificate is a plus)

Please note all applicants must already hold the legal right to work in the UK 

Mayflower Court in Southampton is home to well trained and helpful staff with rooms for up to 72 residents. At Anchor, we pride ourselves in providing 24-hour care and specialised services for elderly people, the beauty of our grounds, the quality of our catering and our engaging activities we deliver. 

• Beautiful home and location with good transport links – Rated ‘Good’ by CQC
• Great opportunity to develop skills and knowledge with excellent training packages and staff mentors
• Person centred care and activities tailored to suit the individual

Anchor – a great place to work

Anchor is England’s largest not-for-profit providers of care and housing for older people. Our heartfelt ambition is to transform housing and care so everyone can have a home where they love living in later life.

We’re not-for-profit which means every penny we make or save is invested in the people who live with us, the places they live and the people who work here. That means a better standard of care and customer service, better wages, more investment in training and development and improved facilities.

A rewarding environment

From health and happiness to finance and your career, we’ll give you all the support you need.

Health & happiness

• Gym, fitness and wellbeing discounts
• Mental health support
• Flexible working options

Finance

• Pension plan – contribute between 4% and 8% and we’ll match it or better
• Quick and easy pension transfer service
• Savings and financial advice, loans, free life assurance
• Discounts on shopping, holidays, phones, technology and more

Career

• Ongoing personal and professional development programme
• Leadership Pathways online learning resources
• Career progression and promotion opportunities

To see our full range of benefits, check out our dedicated rewards website  

Celebrating diversity, celebrating you

Anchor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aim to celebrate diversity and inclusion in all that we do, as we know that the more diverse our colleagues are, the better care and support we can give to our residents and each other.  

We are proud to have an LGBT+ group for our residents, and also Disability, LGBT+ and race and ethnicity colleague networks. These work to celebrate diversity, address concerns, review policy and practice and empower their members.  We also have an Inclusive Ambassador network to allow all colleagues to be part of promoting diversity and to be an ally to others.

We are a member of Inclusive Employers, a Stonewall Diversity Champion and a signatory to the Care Leaver Covenant and HouseProud Pledge schemes.