Kitchen Porter


Company:	House of Lords
Salary:	£27,706 - £27,706
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Westminster, SW1A 0PW
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	24 Aug 2026
Closing date:	7 Sept 2026

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Summary

Kitchen Porter

House of Lords - Catering and Retail Services

BELONG HERE. TOGETHER, WE MAKE PARLIAMENT HAPPEN.

As a Kitchen Porter, you'll play an important role in supporting the UK's parliamentary democracy. Your work will help Members carry out their responsibilities effectively - contributing to something bigger than any one role.

You'll be part of a collaborative community, working alongside colleagues from a wide range of professions. Together, we make Parliament happen.

You'll be based on the Parliamentary Estate in Westminster - a unique working environment shaped by history and powered by the people who work here today.

Working as part of a friendly and supportive team, and under the guidance of the Head Porter, you will play an important role in helping to maintain a clean, safe and well-organised kitchen environment. The role involves a variety of cleaning and kitchen support tasks that contribute to the smooth day-to-day running of catering operations.

We are looking for someone who enjoys working collaboratively, takes pride in their work and is committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness, food hygiene and safety. You will have the opportunity to support a range of kitchen areas and catering outlets, developing your experience while helping the team respond to changing operational needs.

Flexibility, a positive attitude and a willingness to support colleagues are key to success in this role, as together we work to provide an efficient and professional catering service.

What you'll be doing

In this role, you'll:

Help ensure kitchen areas are consistently clean, safe and welcoming by carrying out cleaning duties in line with departmental standards and schedules.

Sweep, mop and sanitise floors, work surfaces, walls and food preparation areas to maintain high standards of cleanliness.

Clean kitchen utensils, pots, trays and catering equipment thoroughly and efficiently.

Assist in maintaining a wide range of kitchen equipment, including ovens, fryers, chargrills, refrigerators, hot cupboards, shelving, trolleys and hoists.

Prepare dishwashing equipment for daily use, ensuring machines are clean, operational and stocked appropriately.

Promptly report equipment issues or replenishment requirements to the Head Porter or appropriate team member.

Collect, wash and safely store crockery, cutlery, glassware and kitchen utensils.

Ensure clean items are returned efficiently to catering outlets to support service delivery.

Clean and polish silverware and cutlery in line with departmental expectations.

Assist with the safe removal and disposal of general waste, food waste and recyclable materials using approved procedures.

Take pride in maintaining organised, tidy and well-presented work areas at all times.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who can bring their skills and experience to make a meaningful contribution here.

You'll have:

A positive, reliable and proactive attitude to their work.

Enjoys working as part of a supportive team and contributing to shared goals.

Takes pride in maintaining clean, organised and safe working environments.

A strong eye for detail and a commitment to delivering high standards.

The ability to carry out cleaning duties thoroughly and efficiently.

An understanding of COSHH requirements.

A Basic Food Hygiene Certificate or equivalent.

It would be even better if you have (or are willing to learn):

Knowledge of Health and Safety procedures.

Manual Handling awareness.

Understanding of food preparation.

Ability to support chefs during service.

Food Safety Level 3 qualification.

Previous experience in a professional kitchen or catering environment.

For full details, please see the job description.

What you'll get in return

Working at the House of Lords means joining a community that values your wellbeing, growth and contribution.

You'll benefit from:

30 days annual leave (rising to 35 after one year).

Generous Civil Service pension scheme.

A comprehensive Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme.

Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities across diverse professions.

The chance to witness democracy in action and work in a place of historic national significance.

The work we do is vital to the House of Lords - the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It plays a critical role in making laws, scrutinising government, and providing independent expertise on national issues.

Ready to apply?

If you're looking for an employer where you can belong, grow and thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

Please complete your online application by 23:59 on Monday 7

th September 2026.

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