Waiting Staff (Casual)

Eton College has vacancies for casual Waiting Staff. Our waiting staff are key to ensuring that everyone attending a function or event at Eton has an enjoyable time. Working as a member of our Front of House team, you will deliver a professional and efficient waiting service at social events, functions and dinner parties. This includes preparation and setting up for events and functions, assistance during the event itself, and cleaning and tidying away afterwards. Events take place regularly throughout the academic year. Some events take place within buildings and marquees at Eton. Some events can also happen at short notice, so flexibility is an important part of the role.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

• Assisting with the set-up for functions, events and dinner parties as directed. For example, this may include (but is not limited to) laying tables, checking the cleanliness of tables, crockery, cutlery and glassware, arranging furniture, laying out and displaying food, etc;
• Where necessary, assisting chefs with basic food preparation, following their guidance and direction.
• Preparing drinks for guests where needed;
• Welcoming guests and introducing the menu (where relevant) and answering questions about the menu;
• Serving food and drink to guests promptly, checking the quality of both before serving, and replenishing drinks as necessary;
• Removing used crockery, cutlery and glassware in an unobtrusive and timely fashion;
• Clearing down, cleaning and washing up after events, and working with the chef team with their clean-down as necessary;
• Undertaking any other reasonable tasks to facilitate the smooth running of the event;
• At all times adhering to food, hygiene and safety standards and allergen management policies;
• Attending training as and when required;
• Commitment and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

The Ideal Candidate

You do not require any formal qualifications to work as one of our waiting staff, however, we look for the following characteristics for those who work as part of our Front of House team:

• A friendly, positive and personable manner with the ability to engage a wide range of people;
• A desire to provide excellent customer service and exceed customer expectations;
• The proven ability to work well in a team;
• Personal initiative and the ability to carry out tasks under pressure;
• Flexibility and the ability to occasionally work at short notice;
• Previous Restaurant/Dining/Hotel experience would be advantageous.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.