General Assistant

House of Commons

The House of Commons a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system. 

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including: 

• 30 days’ annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year). 
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%. 
• Access to training and development. 
• Flexible working. 
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan. 

Introduction 

The In-House Services team aims to deliver a comfortable, safe and efficient environment for Members, their staff and staff of the House to work in; as well as providing a welcoming and functional environment for all visitors to the House of Commons.

Catering Services aim to deliver the best quality service with an enthusiastic and professional team for the benefit of all our customers. We are responsible for the efficient operation of the House of Commons catering facilities within the agreed financial framework.

The Role 

General catering assistants are required to work within the team supporting the Supervisors and Managers to ensure the smooth and effective running of the numerous food and beverage outlets within a busy Catering operation.

You will be responsible for providing a great guest experience while ensuring that all food and beverages displays are beautifully presented and replenished regularly, meeting all agreed customer and operational standards. Helping to ensure that the venue is kept to impeccable standards of cleanliness and free of litter.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• To ensure a high standard of service and presentation is offered to all guests at all time, irrespective of the level of trade.
• To ensure that all food and beverage displays and fridges are replenished when needed and that all items for sale are available throughout the days service times.
• Helps to ensure that tables are sanitised, free of litter and neatly arranged.
• Ensure that condiment and cutlery stands are replenished when needed.
• Serving dishes ensuring that portion control and presentation guidance are followed in line with chefs’ instructions.

Skills and Experience 

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Relevant café experience in a similar position with experience of a high standard of service in a high volume, high quality establishment.
• Proven experience of excellent customer service and an ability to apply this consistently when dealing with all types of customers at all levels and with diverse backgrounds.
• A high degree of flexibility and adaptability while upholding the values of equality, diversity and inclusion, able to work effectively in a busy environment
• Ability to work within a team actively helping and supporting others, able to make suggestions to improve current working procedures
• A sound understanding of current Food Hygiene and Health and Safety practices
• Basic IT and numeracy skills, experience of using cash till and cashing up procedures.

Next Steps and Additional Information

If you would like to apply for this role, please submit your anonymous CV and covering letter with a 500 word limit. 

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description. 

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.