Reposted today

School Kitchen Assistant

Compass Group
Pay Estimated pay: £9.28-11.96 per hour

Location Wales, Cardiff
Contract time Part time

The Breakroom Take

5.8

Rated 5.8 out of 10, based on 855 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

See all job reviews

  • Free food
  • People enjoy this job
  • Recommended by students
  • Recommended by parents

About Compass Group

Compass Group is a food service company. They also provide facilities management, guest services and cleaning services.

Job description from Compass Group

Looking for a spicy new role? We\'re looking for a motivated and passionate Kitchen Assistant who will be the heart of our operation for Chartwells on a part time basis, contracted to 20 hours per week. You\'ll join a team that takes a real pride in what they do, in their food, in their brand but most of all pride in their people. You\'ll get given every opportunity to progress within a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.Here\'s an idea of what your shift patterns will be: 5 out of 7 daysPlease note: This role is contracted to 44 weeks per yearCould you bring your spark to Chartwells? Here\'s what you need to know before applying: Your key responsibilities will include: Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights our clients and customers Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness of the kitchen and surrounding areas Ensuring the correct use of all machinery and equipment Assisting with the loading or unloading of deliveries and supply vehicles Representing Chartwells and maintaining a positive brand image Complying with Food Handling & Hygiene standards Complying with Health & Safety regulations Our ideal Kitchen Assistant will: Demonstrate an ability to manage pressure, prioritise tasks and communicate effectively at all levels Be an excellent team player Have a committed and organised approach Have a desire to succeed in your role Possess the ability to work under pressure Be flexible to work shifts Demonstrate Exceptional timekeeping and reliability Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children\'s Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.Job Reference: com/2709/41783001/52617072/BU Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive?because diversity is our strength!

Job insights from Breakroom

Kitchen and catering assistant

Kitchen porters or kitchen assistants prepare food, make sure chefs have everything they need

What you’ll do as a kitchen and catering assistant:

  • Plan meals
  • Prepare and cook food
  • Purchase food and look after a budget
  • Be responsible for the hygiene and safety of food served

Is it right for you?

This job may involve:

  • Standing
  • Physical activities
  • Wearing a uniform
  • Cleaning
  • Anti-social hours

Map

Wales, Cardiff

A map of the rough location for this vacancy

What employees say

Pay

    Okay
  • Only some people are paid a living wage

    Do Compass Group pay catering assistants enough to live on?

    Some people are not paid a living wage.

    How we know this

    64% of people say they are paid below the Real Living Wage for where they live.

    Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should be paid enough to live on.

    The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.

    The current rates are £12.00 per hour, and £13.15 per hour in London.

    Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.

  • Good
  • Most people are paid market rates

    Do Compass Group pay catering assistants market rates?

    Most people are paid above average for their job.

    How we know this

    82% of people are paid above average for the type of work they do.

    Based on data from 51 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.

  • Good
  • Everyone is paid the same, whatever their age

    Do catering assistants at Compass Group get paid the same regardless of age?

    Yes, people under the age of 21 get paid the same as those above 21.

    See what Compass Group pays different age groups

    How we know this

    The average pay of under 21s is the same as those above 21.

    Based on data from 51 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get paid breaks

    Do catering assistants at Compass Group get paid breaks?

    No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.

    How we know this

    90% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.

    Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should have paid breaks.

    You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get sick pay

    Do Compass Group pay catering assistants sick pay?

    No. Most people don’t get proper sick pay.

    How we know this

    94% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.

    Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.

    At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.

    This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.

  • Good
  • Most people don’t do unpaid extra work

    Do catering assistants at Compass Group do extra work that they don't get paid for?

    Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.

    How we know this

    70% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.

    Based on data from 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.

Hours and flexibility

    Needs improving
  • Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts

    How much notice do catering assistants get of their shift pattern at Compass Group?

    Most people don’t get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.

    How we know this

    • 67% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
    • 15% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
    • 9% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
    • 9% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.

    Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.

    This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.

  • Okay
  • Some people worry about their hours

    Do catering assistants at Compass Group worry about hours?

    Some people worry about getting enough hours.

    How we know this

    36% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.

    Based on data from 50 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.

    A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.

    This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get a choice of shifts

    Do catering assistants at Compass Group get to choose the shifts they work?

    Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.

    How we know this

    39% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.

    Based on data from 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.

  • Okay
  • Can be hard to change shifts

    How easy is it for catering assistants at Compass Group to change shifts?

    Some people find it hard to change shifts.

    How we know this

    52% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.

    Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.

  • Good
  • Easy to book holiday

    How easy is it for catering assistants to book a holiday at Compass Group?

    Most people find it easy to book holiday.

    How we know this

    73% of people report it’s easy to book holidays.

    Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.

  • Okay
  • Shifts can get changed at short notice

    Do Compass Group managers change catering assistants shifts at short notice?

    Some managers change people’s shifts at short notice.

    How we know this

    42% of people say their manager changes their shifts at the last minute.

    Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.

  • Good
  • Most people find it easy to take sick leave

    How easy is it for catering assistants to take sick leave at Compass Group?

    Most people find it easy to take sick leave.

    How we know this

    69% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.

    Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.

    A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.

  • Good
  • Most students say it’s good

    Is catering assistants at Compass Group job good for students?

    Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    How we know this

    89% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2022 and May 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should allow you to fit work around important things in your life, like studying.

    Life isn’t just about work. Good jobs make space for you to do well in both.

  • Good
  • Most parents say it’s good

    Is working as catering assistants at Compass Group good if you have caring responsibilities?

    Most parents and carers say this is a good place to work.

    How we know this

    82% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.

    Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.

Workplace

    Okay
  • Only some people feel treated with respect

    Do catering assistants at Compass Group feel treated with respect by their managers?

    Some people don’t feel treated with respect by their managers.

    How we know this

    38% of people say they’re not treated with respect by their managers.

    Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get proper breaks

    Do catering assistants at Compass Group get proper breaks?

    Some people don’t get proper breaks.

    How we know this

    47% of people report that they don’t get to take proper breaks.

    Based on data from 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people are stressed

    Is it stressful for catering assistants to work at Compass Group?

    Most people feel stressed here.

    How we know this

    74% of people say they often feel stressed at work.

    Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.

    Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Okay
  • Only some people enjoy their job

    Do catering assistants at Compass Group enjoy their jobs?

    Only some people enjoy their job.

    How we know this

    49% of people report they don’t enjoy their job.

    Based on data from 41 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

  • Okay
  • Only some people recommend their team

    Do catering assistants at Compass Group recommend working with their team?

    Only some people recommend working with their team.

    How we know this

    63% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.

    Based on data from 54 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job means enjoying the place where you work.

    The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.

    If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get enough training

    Do catering assistants get enough training when they start at Compass Group?

    Some people did’t get enough training when they started.

    How we know this

    46% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.

    Based on data from 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.

    This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.

    It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get support to progress

    Are catering assistants given support to progress at Compass Group?

    Most people aren’t given support to progress here.

    How we know this

    In the last year, 69% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.

    Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.

    This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.

  • Needs improving
  • Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening

    Do catering assistants think Compass Group head office understands what's happening where they work?

    Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.

    How we know this

    84% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.

    Based on data from 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.

    To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t feel well informed by head office

    Do catering assistants feel well informed about how Compass Group is doing?

    Most people don’t feel well informed about how the company is doing.

    How we know this

    70% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.

    Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.

    You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.

Find out more about working at Compass Group

What Compass Group employees say about their job

  • Best thing

    The people I work with

    Worst thing

    The stress of the job and the lack of training plans for new starters and lack of effort to streamline different processes

    7.0

    Compass Group Employee, August 2024

  • Best thing

    Meeting different customers

    Worst thing

    When off sick you don't get paid
    Or they cut my hours without notice

    4.3

    Compass Group Employee, July 2024

See more reviews
  • Best thing

    It fits around my personal life

    Worst thing

    Being asked to do overtime at short notice

    6.0

    Compass Group Housekeeper, June 2024

  • Best thing

    The fact I've only got to give 2 weeks' notice.

    Worst thing

    No equipment
    Being treated like I'm stupid
    Spoken to like I'm an idiot
    Condescending supervisors who couldn't light a torch to what I do
    Rubbish money
    Micro management

    2.8

    Compass Group Domestic assistant, June 2024

  • Best thing

    I like where I work

    Worst thing

    Trying to fit in everything you need to do in 8 hours and not enough time

    6.2

    Compass Group Employee, April 2024

  • Best thing

    Its easy preparing, and packing prepared meals for patients

    Worst thing

    Being in the refrigerated room and freezer, where i pick and packed meals for patient wards and stored them in cooler boxes, almost 4 hours a day, 5 days a week.And in 3 days a week i am only alone doing pick and pack in the refrigerated room for 10 cooler boxes or 20+ patient wards and uncluterring the food storage,(in short we are understaff in that 3days a week).So in that 3 days im alone, i have to be quick in order to finish on time of delivery of my colleages, but most of the time i get complaints from my colleages because mistakes and missed food in their cooler boxes which i prepared, that stresses me.

    5.5

    Compass Group Catering assistant, March 2024

  • Best thing

    Monday- Friday. Finish at 2pm
    School holidays off.

    Worst thing

    Don't get paid at all for school holidays so actual monthly pay is below minimum wage. (They keep the difference in hourly rate back so you are in fact paying yourself in the holidays) Staff not valued, not so much as a unit email at Christmas to thank staff, absolutely nothing.

    5.5

    Compass Group Manager, January 2023

  • Best thing

    Meeting sick people and making them feel at home keeping them all in high spirits

    Worst thing

    Manager don’t kno how to manage, he dant kno what or how to do his job; he don’t care about anyone

    5.0

    Compass Group Porter, October 2022

  • Best thing

    Supervisor is nice.

    Worst thing

    We are servilery understaffed and our manager keep adding work on the team even though we told him we could do it and he said we will figure it out and he still hasn't 4 months on. He also tell us to stop telling people we are understaffed if we don't get round to going their clean.

    4.8

    Compass Group Cleaner, June 2022

  • Best thing

    The life style. Evenings, weekends and bank holidays off and all the school holidays. Only working term time. Spread over pay.

    Worst thing

    Pay compared to my staff. Not enough given the responsibility I have.

    6.7

    Compass Group Unit manager, February 2021

  • More reviews from Compass Group employees

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