Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that you may have questions for our domestic household staff recruitment agency: about our job placement services, the recruitment process, and how we can help you find the perfect role or candidate. Below, we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions to provide you with the information you need. If you can’t find an answer to your specific query, please message us of call direct on +44 (0)20 7795 6255
FAQ’s for Clients
What types of domestic household staff do you offer your clients?
We specialise in placing permanent domestic staff with our clients all of whom are looking for staff with a solid work record and references to demonstrate their skills and expertise. Our staff range from:
- Housekeepers
- Housekeeper/Nannies
- Housekeeper/Cooks
- Housekeeper/PA’s
- Housekeeper/Companions
- Domestic Couples
- Chefs/Cooks
- House Managers
- Butlers
- Private PA’s
- Estate Managers
- Property Maintenance Specialists
- Gardeners
- Chauffeurs
All our our domestic staffs have minimum of 5+ years’ experience with some possessing 20+ years’ experience giving our clients complete peace of mind.
What nationalities are your household staff
Our candidates’ nationalities vary according to the role and we take applications from an array to include British, European, Filipino, Nepalese and more. Please note that in order to work through Staff of Distinction, the candidate must hold the relevant work visa and/or passport for the Agency to accept their application
if applying for a UK job. For overseas jobs, we would ask that the client takes legal advice in their country of residence in order to fully comply with their country’s laws.
What do I need to comply with when employing domestic staff for my household?
All UK employers of domestic staff are required to pay Tax and National Insurance along with NEST Pension Contributions. If the job is overseas, the Tax Laws of that country will apply and it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure they are compliant.
How do ensure the domestic staff has a Visa?
The beauty of using Staff of Distinction for all your household staffing needs is that we will only introduce to you candidates who either hold a British Passport or who are legally allowed to work in the UK. We do not accept applications from candidates who have yet to apply for their UK work visa. For international jobs, our clients are of the mind that they may have to apply for a working visa depending on which country the job is based, however, we will always try to ensure the staff possess the passport that is most favourable when matching to the job.
Do your household staff only work in the UK?
When we take applications from staff we will discuss where they would like to find their next job and check that they have a legal entitlement to work there whether its in the UK or overseas.
How do you find the domestic staff you introduce?
Now in our 30th year, we have a built fine reputation with clients and candidates and both return to us time and time again. Not only that, they tell their friends and family about the success they have had with Staff of Distinction which means we have lots of recommendations. That said, we also advertise our jobs on our website which does create a large response from suitably experienced applicants
What is the recruitment process?
A client will telephone the Agency and speak to the specialist consultant who will note their requirements and by careful questioning will build a full picture of what the job entails. Our experience and know-how enables us to fully understand the workings of the client’s household requirements and thus we can fully how to fulfil that role. We will discuss the working days, hours, duties and salary for such an Employee and send our Terms of Business. Once all agreed, our specialist search begins!
Do you charge a Registration Fee like some agencies?
No we don’t charge a fee to register or to start the search. We do ask that you agree to our Terms so that we can commence our search. Once the offer of employment has been confirmed by both the client and the candidate has accepted, we will charge an Introduction Fee which includes a 12 week Replacement Period.
What if we are unhappy with the member of staff?
Our Service includes a 12 week Replacement Period which gives our clients peace of mind. While this is rare, if the member of staff is not the right fit and this is apparent during the first 12 weeks’ employment,
we will look at other applicants for the role to replace the original member of staff on a like for like basis. We would like to emphasise this rarely happens but is there for back-up which our clients welcome.
What information do you send to clients when introducing domestic household staff?
Firstly, before we send any candidates’ information to our clients, we will discuss the role with the best suited candidates and gain their consent to share their details. Our clients will only receive CV’s and references of candidates who are genuinely interested in the vacancy and also whom are very well suited.
What if I want to recruit a member of staff before I give notice to my current member of staff?
We can of course begin our search immediately according to your wishes but we would discuss with you why they are not working out and if there is anything you can do to improve their performance or, depending
on the issues, how you can resolve with your current member of staff before starting the search for a new candidate. We are always available to give advice if needed depending on the circumstances, but last resort, we can
look at your other options before you take the leap.
How do I settle in my new domestic member of staff
Firstly we would look at if this was a new role or an on-going role. If this is a new role, it’s important to have a well set out Job Specification to clearly list the duties and responsibilities therein. The time it takes to
perform the duties must be realistic and any member of staff starting a newly created role will understand that a degree of flexibility is required to finalise the best working routine and practice.
How far in advance do I need to register my domestic staff job?
We can work to any timescale but our clients typically look 3 months’ ahead and our candidates are either readily available or will usually have a one month notice period to fulfil. That said, our clients register at a convenient time
based on their circumstances. If it’s an urgent request, we will work night and day to fulfil the vacancy, however, all jobs will receive the dedication required in order to fulfil the client’s needs and expectations.
Do we need a Contract of Employment
Yes all household staff should be issued a Contract setting out the Terms of their employment.
How do we arrange the Contract?
Staff of Distinction will take care of all aspects of the contract by supplying a legally binding contract that is issued once the placement has been confirmed by both parties.
FAQ’s for Candidates
How many years' private household experience do I need to have to apply to Staff of Distinction?
We require a minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a private household for both UK and overseas positions.
Can I apply if I have been working in a 5* Hotel for 10 years?
As you can appreciate, while you will have been trained to work to very high standards, the workings of a prestigious hotel are very different to that of a private household. When checking references it is essential that we can demonstrate that all candidates introduced have the necessary like-for-like experience
for a seamless settling into the new household role.
Do I have to pay a fee to register?
No we don’t charge candidates a fee to apply to our agency.
How can I apply to be on your register?
We ask that all new applicants send us a copy of their up to date CV, certificates and references to assess their experience and from that point we will advise them if we can help them find a new job.
The jobs on your website, are they genuine and how can I be put forward?
When I apply for a position, will you keep me up-to-date on my application?
We understand this can be a nerve wracking time when you see a job you feel is ‘the one’ and we will always keep in touch with you so that you are up-to-date every step of the way.
When attending interviews, can I ask for travel expenses?
I see you require your applicants to hold a DBS, what if I don't have one?
You found me my current housekeeper job 4 years ago but my employer is relocating to the USA. Do you still have my details so I can find a new job?
Due to GDPR legislation, we are not able to hold your data for more than 2 years if we have not had contact with you. We would be delighted to assist you again to find a new job but will need to update your documents to include your latest job and duties. Please do telephone the office now on +44 (0)20 7795 6255 to discuss what you are now looking for so that we can find the best job for your skills and experience.
What information do you send to clients when introducing domestic household staff?
Firstly, before we send any candidates’ information to our clients, we will discuss the role with the best suited candidates and gain their consent to share their details. Our clients will only receive CV’s and references of candidates who are genuinely interested in the vacancy and also whom are very well suited.
What if I want to recruit a member of staff before I give notice to my current member of staff?
We can of course begin our search immediately according to your wishes but we would discuss with you why they are not working out and if there is anything you can do to improve their performance or, depending
on the issues, how you can resolve with your current member of staff before starting the search for a new candidate. We are always available to give advice if needed depending on the circumstances, but last resort, we can
look at your other options before you take the leap.
How do I settle in my new domestic member of staff
Firstly we would look at if this was a new role or an on-going role. If this is a new role, it’s important to have a well set out Job Specification to clearly list the duties and responsibilities therein. The time it takes to
perform the duties must be realistic and any member of staff starting a newly created role will understand that a degree of flexibility is required to finalise the best working routine and practice.
