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Candidates

Welcome to Staff of Distinction. We provide an excellent service to all our candidates and enjoy helping them find the special position that they seek. By registering with us, candidates will gain an unparalleled access to the global network of professional and HNW clients that we have cultivated since our inception in 1996. Those registering with us go on to be placed with clients ranging from those with one large home, to those with a property portfolio in London, the country or overseas and who recognise their commitment to employing esteemed household staff.

Once accepted onto our Register, your expert consultant will work hard to ensure that you are marketed to your very best and that you are ready to be introduced to some of the most coveted positions within the household staffing industry.

We will co-ordinate your interviews, assist with travel arrangements and logistics, and we will negotiate the Contract of Employment on your behalf.

As your dedicated Agency, as with each and every one of our candidates, we will be committed to finding you the optimum position to ensure you feel fulfilled in your role within the the household.

Trust in our expertise to help you find you the perfect role according to your experience and expectations. Call us now on 0207 795 6255 to discuss your career and expectations. What is more, once registered, you will also have access to our ‘off-market’ positions not advertised on our site!

available
positions

We have a super selection of positions for every staffing category. We would be delighted to assist you finding your perfect role!

Apply to the
agency

We are always looking for more of the very best! Please complete our form and attach the requested documents or call now on 020 7 795 6255.

Many of our staff have worked for well-known employers …
or for employers well known to us…
whose private and public lifestyles…
are extraordinarily demanding…
which in turn creates a member of staff…
who can work under pressure…
and to elevated standards…
with discretion…
and with pride…

Our Requirements and Our Screening Process

Since our inception in 1996, many of our candidates have come to us through recommendation and have experienced first-hand our professional and warm approach. We also provide on-going support both pre and post-placement.

When you telephone our office, you will be looked after by a dedicated consultant who will use their experience and expertise to get the ball rolling straight away. To ensure that both candidates and clients receive the best possible care and service, our selection process is as follows

We require our candidates to possess the following attributes:

A good service history
Minimum 3 years experience in private service for UK positions
Minimum 5 years experience in private service for overseas positions
Well matched expectations
Excellent personal presentation
Proficient English language skills
In-depth knowledge of the workings of a household

As part of our screening and application process, we always require the following documentation

An up-to-date CV showing all relevant and non-relevant work history
Proof of ID (Passport)
Driving Licence for penalty points check
Proof of address (current Utility Bill)
Verifiable references which support your experience
All certificates including Food Hygiene (if role includes cooking or food prep
An up-to-date DBS (Previously known as the CRB or Police Clearance)

Subject to an initial telephone conversation, you will be invited by the specialist consultant to attend an interview at either our Mayfair or Bath office. As part of the interview, you will be asked to complete our Application Form and asked for copies of your original documentation. We always take up references to confirm your character and work experience as part of the application process.

Discover The Positions We Are Adept At Placing

Staffing Roles

If you are working in domestic service and are looking for a new opportunity, please select the relevant role below to view the skills and expertise required by our clientele. Call now on 0207 795 6255 to speak to one of our dedicated specialists who will be delighted to assist you finding that special position.

Domestic Couple

Housekeeper

House Manager

Butler or Butler/Valet

Chauffeur

Lady’s Maid or Wardrobe Manager

Estate Manager

Chef/Cook

Personal/Executive Assistant

Gardener

Bodyguard/Security

Houseman/Gurkha

Handyman

Laundress/Seamstress

See All Our Staff Positions

Stories of Service

Did you know in 1900 domestic service was the single largest occupation in Edwardian Britain. Of the 4m women employed, 1.5m were working in domestic service, the majority of them working single-handed in a small household.

Records show that in the 1911 Census that 800,000 families in Britain employed household staff, however, only a fifth of them had a retinue of staff more than three.

Do you know the origins of Claridges Hotel?

It was started by a Mr and Mrs Claridges who met while they worked together for many years as the Butler and Housekeeper at a smart London address. After marrying, they left their employer to start their own business which began as a superior pied-a-terre in London for good families.

Could they ever have imagined what Claridges would become…

Did you know that Butlers were expected to remain bachelors so that they could fully commit themselves to ‘their’ family. If it was revealed that they did have a wife and child while claiming to be single, they would usually be summarily dismissed.

Do you know how Her Majesty The Queen’s grocer Fortnum & Mason was started?

William Fortnum, who was a Footman at the Royal Household of Queen Anne, decided to start a sideline as a grocer. He persuaded his landlord, a Mr Hugh Mason, to partner with him.

In 1707, the first Fortnum & Mason store opened in London’s Mayfair.

By the 1850’s one in 3 females between the age of 15-20 were working in domestic service.

According to the 1871 census, included in the 1.19m listed were 93,000 cooks and 75,000 nursemaids!

At the peak, there were 1,549,502 working in private service.

Testimonials

We love the job, the location and our cottage. More importantly we have perfect employer.

Thank you so much for your help and effort to place us here. We will keep in touch.

Household Couple, Surrey

I had great experience dealing with Staff of Distinction, very efficient and thorough bringing excellent candidates to the selection process.

I would highly recommend Staff of Distinction. Their process from start to finish was very efficient and easy.

Chanelle, Lady McCoy

We have been in service for nearly 30 years, and we have used Staff of Distinction for many years … we find them always very helpful and they have placed us in some great jobs. And we would certainly use them in the future.

Household Couple, West Sussex

Our experience in finding a job through Staff Of Distinction was excellent, from the time we registered to them finding us a very nice job … the Staff there were very kind, helpful and we had no hesitation in calling them for advice and help … We would 100% recommend this Agency to anyone seeking a job, based on our experience with them.”

Household Couple, Oxfordshire

Our experience with Staff of distinction was brief but rewarding. Finding the listing for our position was serendipitous. We understand that it was a slightly odd position for your agency as the client required a couple with hospitality experience alongside more mainstream housekeeper/handyman roles. This did seem to be made for us so we submitted an enquiry on the Thursday. On the Friday we were contacted … and supplied further details. Monday morning we were offered an interview … Wednesday and by 8.30am Friday we had been offered the job of our dreams. I’m off to Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons to train with their executive housekeeper next week, wouldn’t be there without your help and we have no hesitation recommending your services.

Household Couple, Henley-on-Thames

After losing my current employee, I was recommended to Staff of Distinction where I was personally consulted regarding my requirements … within a few days I had interviews lined up and the first Gentleman they introduced me to was the perfect match … Not only did they work to get this done quickly for me, but they have helped me since hiring my Ghurka …

EA to HNWI, Ireland

We have been impressed by the professional and efficient service we have received from Staff of Distinction in Bath. After fully understanding our brief we were presented with a number of good candidates with references. We would use this recruitment agency again.

Mr and Mrs T., Gloucestershire

We would like to let everybody know how pleased we are with Staff of Distinction. Thank you for your dedication to candidates and thank you because you strive to maintain the legendary level of service and professionalism with minimal barriers to success! We are very glad to have registered with you and we highly recommend Staff of Distinction to all candidates that are seeking jobs and to all distinguished clients.

Household Couple, Hertfordshire

Staff of Distinction were very helpful from the minute we contacted them. They were keen to help us find new jobs and were positive about our chances. They quickly arranged to interview us and include us in their listings on the website. The staff were very friendly and kept us up to date on all the new positions coming in. We recommend this agency.

Household Couple, Scotland

Staff of Distinction has been our favourite agency throughout the years and particularly at times when we have needed help with moving on to another position …The friendly and approachable staff makes it a pleasure when searching for a new position. We highly recommend you, thank you very much.