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Housekeepers
Larger homes and individuals with busy lives may require the assistance of a housekeeper to ensure the smooth running of their home. Whether it is keeping the property clean and in order, the fridge fully stocked, or overseeing the general domestic maintenance of the property, the housekeeper will use her many years’ experience of working within private homes to ensure her employers are living comfortably and able to focus their attention on their family and their enterprises.
Experience
Housekeepers registered with Staff of Distinction will have at 3-5 years’ experience working in a private household with references to support this.
Qualifications
In terms of qualifications, there isn’t one for housekeeping as such. Many gain their experience working in a private household and may have had hotel training. Some will have taken a part-time course at a local college to improve their cooking or baking skills.
Live-in salaries
Countryside – £550 net per week PLUS for an 10-12 hour day
London – £600 net per week PLUS for an 10-12 hour day
Live-out salaries
Countryside – £13 net per hour PLUS for an 8-10 hour day
London – £14-£15 net per hour PLUS for an 8-10 hour day
Housekeeper Duties, Responsibilities & Skills
Duties can include all or most of the following depending on your requirements:
For the Home:
Clean, dust and polish furniture
Flower arranging
Clean and sanitise rooms throughout the house
Take care of antiques
Vacuum carpets and flooring
Clean brass and silverware
Arrange and replace flowers as and when required
Care for pets including dog walking
Check all internal and external doors/gates are locked
Set and unset the alarm systems
Distribute the household post
Prepare the house for guests
And in the Kitchen:
Assist the lady of the house/Chef with food preparation
Order food and provisions online
Dispose of all kitchen waste, both organic and recycling
Laundry and Wardrobe Care:
Launder and mend clothes
Launder and press shirts
Change and launder bedding
Launder and press table linen
Replace and sew on buttons
Clean and polish shoes
Take clothing to be dry cleaned
Take shoes to be mended
Various Errands and Responsibilities:
Run errands, shop and arrange refunds
Deal with deliveries and tradesmen
Call swimming pool maintenance company
Collect newspapers/journals
Arrange electrical appliance testing
Reporting any necessary repairs or replacements
Nationalities range from, but are not limited to British, Filipina, Portuguese, Eastern European and Brazilian. All must have the relevant work visas to be able to register with our Agency.
Do be realistic about the size of your household, the duties you require and be mindful of how long is needed for food prep, cooking and serving. We can talk through your requirements and discuss the options open to you.
FAQ’s
Housekeeping refers to managing duties within the household including the family and household laundry. These duties are undertaken by a housekeeper who usually works alone to ensure the smooth running of the home, reporting directly to the Principal.
Housekeeper duties include making sure the household is fully stocked with food and cleaning provisions, and coordinating any servicing or maintenance that is needed around the home.
A housekeeper will clean and dust, vacuum, take care of antiques, polish silver and take care of fine crystal, create flower arrangements, and check the home security system.
The role will require getting the house ready for guests, ordering provisions for the family home, laundering household linen and the family’s clothing. The housekeeper will run errands, walk the dog and report any necessary repairs.
As restrictions currently allow for those who cannot carry out their work from home to go into their workplace, housekeeping has not been affected in the same ways that others may have.
However some families have decided to pay for housekeepers to arrive by taxi, or have been asked to walk to work when possible. Regular testing is not uncommon and masks are worn within homes where the housekeeper or principal is uncomfortable otherwise, and gloves will be worn to handle shared surfaces and fabrics.
Extra disinfecting to maintain that the household is as germ free/covid free as possible is essential, which is now likely to include disinfecting shopping bags and any post or packages received and deep cleans of shared spaces on a more regular basis. Anti-bacterial spray at the ready!
Housekeepers need to be highly organised, motivated and efficient with an acute understanding of how to run a home. Housekeeping requires a candidate to be very active and capable of keeping a household thoroughly clean and orderly throughout as well as displaying the utmost discretion. All clients are private individuals who expect to employ someone who is trustworthy and who values their privacy.
Housekeepers must use their common sense to notify the principal of matters when necessary and solve problems on their own when they can in order to alleviate the strain that owning a home can have on the principal.
Housekeepers must be aware of the type of home that their skill set is best suited to, whilst some housekeepers prefer a small intimate household without any pets while another may prefer to oversee the running of a grand country home. It is crucial that a housekeeper discusses his/her preferences during their early conversations with their recruitment consultant.
Not only will a housekeeper take care of the laundry, but they will also be responsible for mending, ironing and organising it. That is unless the principal requests otherwise as some Principals prefer to organise their closets themselves. The housekeeper will take delicate items to a dry cleaning professional as well as any items that they cannot mend themselves.
Whilst there are no rules per say, discretion, and directions on how the client prefers the home to be run or chores performed are expected. With that said, of course there will be rules for those housekeepers who live-in i.e. no guests within the home, the alarm setting times, and expectations of shared living space.
For those housekeepers who offer a combined discipline such as housekeeper/nanny, there will need to be clear outlines from the outset regarding how their time must be divided.
Housekeeping Career
A housekeeper is an extremely well respected role in the domestic staffing industry, with a long and rich history. It is housekeepers who keep some of the finest homes across the country, and indeed the world running to their full potential whilst alleviating the stress on their Principals in the process.
Many housekeepers remain within the same household for many years and are the backbone to a smoothly run home. Nobody wants to lose an incredible housekeeper, so if you find one, be quick!
Whilst housekeepers on our register must have at least 3+ years’ experience of working as a housekeeper in a private home, if you are an expert at organising, cleaning and take pride in running a household to the highest possible standards, then housekeeping may be the career for you.
If you dream of a family relying on you to ensure the smooth running of their home then one way to start your career as a housekeeper is by working in a 5 Star hotel as a cleaner, housekeeper or porter before moving across into private household work. Once you gain 3 years under your belt you can then get in touch with us!
“Cleanliness is next to Godliness.”
― John Wesley
“The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment.”
— Marie Kondo
Clients
Candidates
Other Housekeeper Roles
Depending on the size of your household, a Housekeeper may be able to combine her duties with another discipline such as cooking or childcare but this comes with a caveat. That is to say, if asked if we can place a HK/Cook/Nanny, we find that, firstly they will have to juggle three disciplines, and secondly, those who are excellent at all three will command a higher salary. A HK who is a good solid Cook can supervise older children, in that she can be in the household at the same time while the parents are out, but she won’t be a specialist nanny or have the time to assist with homework. If you are keen to combine all three disciplines, we would recommend that you consider the role as being described as HK/Family Cook/occasional childcare to include babysitting which emphasises the role’s priority.
Head Housekeeper
A Head Housekeeper will have a minimum of 5+ years’ experience in a similar position and will perform their duties with meticulous attention to detail. She will, however, take on a more senior role and is likely to oversee a team of Housekeepers, ensuring their duties are discharged properly and that they fulfil their roles, with method, skill and timeliness. It will be the Head Housekeeper’s responsibility to coordinate the welfare, training and payroll of domestic staff. The Head Housekeeper could possibly undertake the school runs for children aged 5 years and older but this should be discussed with your consultant when giving the job spec.
Housekeeper/Cook
Depending on your household, you may wish to employ a Housekeeper who can cook. They range from those who can provide plain/simple dishes and/or family cooking to Dinner Party standard. We have placed HK/Cooks who can cook to a high culinary standard for up to 8 while others can turn their hand to Formal Dinner Parties for 10 and hot/cold buffets for 16.
Duties may include general Housekeeping duties as listed above along with the following:
Light simple/plain meals
Good family fare
Food preparation (assisting mother or the Cook/Chef)
Dinner party/Event cooking
Preparing and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Clearing away, tidying and cleaning the kitchen and rooms where food is served.
Presenting menus for approval and discussing daily requirements with employer, house manager or butler.
Undertaking the grocery shopping and maintaining accounts and budgets
Placing orders for kitchen supplies
Maintaining stock control
Ensuring refrigerator is clean and out-of-date items discarded
Housekeeping Fascinating Fact
By the 1850’s one in 3 females between the age of 15-20 were working in domestic service
Housekeeper/Nanny
Housekeeping duties combined with childcare. This is a super option for a family who wishes to have one member of staff who is a good all-rounder with the house and who will also help look after children. This largely depends on the size of the house, number of children and their ages and the parents’ day to day routine. Some families employ a daily Housekeeper who may do the heavy cleaning once or twice a week to assist.
Sole and shared childcare and babysitting
Cooking nutritious meals for their charges
Supervise/assist with homework
School runs if she drives
Before you begin your search, it is incredibly important to discuss your primary expectations with your consultant. For younger children, you may feel that the primary focus will be childcare with a little housekeeping on the side, whereas for school aged children the main role may be the Housekeeping.
Housekeeper/Companion
Housekeepers who can accompany or drive their employer to various appointments and events, travel with and generally assist with everyday living for the employer to enjoy independent living in the comfort of their own home.
Assist with everyday tasks and provide companionship
Shopping for weekly essentials and running general errands
Accompanying on special and regular outings
Cooking and sharing meals
Light domestic support such as cleaning, laundry, care of pets
Light gardening duties
Participating in hobbies and crafts
Helping with travel arrangements and accompanying to appointments
Assisting with correspondence and paperwork
Housekeeper/Family PA
Housekeeping combined with organised and efficient administration skills. Our Family PA’s will run the family’s diary both social and for the individual childrens’ school. Keeping on top of your childrens’ school appointments and events. This position could include the school runs driving children to school and back and your consultant will help you iron out the details.
Booking appointments
Arranging couriers, travel and childcare
Be computer literate including Excel
Managing calendar
Running errands
Use initiative, read the needs of the family’s requirements in advance
Wardrobe and vanity care
Take care of pets
If you are unsure of the type of person that would suit your household, do telephone us on 01225 484 190 and we will talk through your requirements and discuss the sort of candidate that would fit into your household and their salary expectations.
Latest Housekeeper Jobs
Job code: 32834AD
Location:
Cheltenham
Cheltenham
Salary:
£15phn (between £36,445 -£48,875gpa)
£15phn (between £36,445 -£48,875gpa)
Start Date:
ASAP
ASAP
Daily Housekeeper sought for role near Cheltenham, GL54. The large property is home to a mature couple and their grown up children visit regularly. The PA who has known the principals for over 20 years and highly recommends the role! The successful candidate will be responsible for general duties including cleaning, ironing, laundry, silver/ antique polishing, packing/unpacking and some pet care (although no walking). Family cooking will be required. Other long term staff are employed and include a full time gardener, two part time gardeners and another Housekeeper, so a team player is essential. The ideal candidate will be proactive, flexible and looking to stay long term. A driver is essential and you must be pet friendly as the family have three dogs and three cats. Working Monday-Friday, 35 – 45 hours per week with flexibility to work ad hoc weekends, including house sitting. Salary on offer £15 per hour net (between £36,445 -£48,875gpa) dependent on experience and hours worked. Interviews to commence right away for a soon as possible start.
Ref no: 32834
Job code: 32836AD
Location:
Milton Keynes, MK7
Milton Keynes, MK7
Salary:
£36-£40kgpa
£36-£40kgpa
Start Date:
December
December
Informal and generous return client of Staff of Distinction seek a long term Daily Housekeeper/PA/Cook at their weekend residence in Milton Keynes, MK7. The family travel frequently so they do not visit the property every weekend. Once a week, you will travel to their home in central London (all expenses covered by employer). The modern property in Milton Keynes has recently been fully renovated to a high standard. The principals are looking for someone who can keep the home well organised, tidy and ensure that it runs smoothly. The successful candidate will be responsible for cleaning, food shopping, precooking simple meals, laundry, general organisation and checking stock. At the London home, you will not be required to do any cleaning as there is a part time Housekeeper. There you will assist with wardrobe management, unpacking and running errands. A lovely full time Nanny (who was placed by our agency) cares for their young son. Driver essential for this role. Interviews to commence now for a December start. Working hours will be Monday – Friday between 6 to 8 hours per day to suit the candidate. Weekend hours required when the principals are in residence with two days off during the week in lieu. Salary on offer £36-£40kgpa depending on experience.
Ref no: 32863
Job code: 32845
Location:
Bath
Bath
Salary:
£15phn (up to £30,229gpa dependent on experience)
£15phn (up to £30,229gpa dependent on experience)
Start Date:
ASAP
ASAP
Daily part time Housekeeper/Companion role near Lansdown, Bath. The successful candidate will be responsible for the general cleaning of a 3 bedroom terraced home as well as being a friendly companion to an independent and mature principal. The lady of the house enjoys reading, cooking and trips to the garden centre. The Housekeeper will be required to accompany her on outings, help with gardening, the running of some errands and assisting with cooking when required. Someone who is compassionate and willing to build a rapport is essential. A driver is not essential as taxis can be arranged. Working hours will be Monday – Friday 30 hours per week. Salary up to £15phn (up to £30,229gpa dependent on experience). Interviews to commence right away for an ASAP start.
Ref no: 32845
Location:
Salary:
Start Date:
We are inundated with clients, both returning and new, looking for that all-special Housekeeper and Domestic Couple!
Do ensure you fulfil our criteria which is that we require 3+ years’ experience working within a private household, super references and an up-to-date DBS.
Remember, we never advertise all our positions and will only give those candidates registered with us access to opportunities both advertised and those not advertised.
As always all applications are confidential.
Please telephone us ASAP: 020 7795 6220 or send an email to staff@imperialstaff.com
We look forward to being of service to you all!
With best wishes from
The Staff of Distinction Team
Job code: 32761AD
Location:
Charing Cross, London
Charing Cross, London
Salary:
£15phn
£15phn
Start Date:
PLACED
PLACED
NOW PLACED BY STAFF OF DISTINCTION
Daily Housekeeper sought for role in Charing Cross, WC2N. Part time residence to a mature couple who reside in the property for three days during the week only. The chosen candidate will be responsible for all general housekeeping duties including preparing the property for the principals arrival, laundry, ironing and polishing (no hoovering or mopping required as the maintenance staff do this). Preparing breakfast (fruits and porridge) may also be occasionally required should the Cook not be available. There are two other Housekeepers employed between this property and have a good working and organised system in place. Must be pet friendly as the family have a Labrador as well as two puppies who occasionally visit. The family are looking for a candidate to become part of the team and stay long term. Working hours Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm with a morning and afternoon break as well as 30 minutes for lunch. Salary on offer up to £15phn (£42k-£43kgpa.) Interviews to commence ASAP for an immediate start.
Ref no: 32761
Job code: 32590AD
Location:
Bath, BA2
Bath, BA2
Salary:
£13-£15phn
£13-£15phn
Start Date:
PLACED
PLACED
NOW PLACED BY STAFF OF DISTINCTION
Daily Housekeeper sought for long-term role in Bath (BA2). The property is home to a family of 5 with young children and 1 cat. A part time nanny is also employed. You will be replacing the previous housekeeper of 5 years. The successful candidate will be responsible for all housekeeping duties including cleaning, laundry, organising, and care of antiques. Help with food preparation required for dinner parties (e.g peeling potatoes!).The ideal candidate will be child friendly and have experience managing a large home. A driver would be a bonus but is not essential. Working Monday – Friday 40-50 hours per week to suit the successful candidate. A half day on a Friday is also possible! Interviewing now for an ASAP start. Salary on offer of £13-£15phn (Up to £56,224gpa based on working 50 hours at top end of salary).
Ref no: 32590
Job code: 32602AD
Location:
South Kensington, SW7
South Kensington, SW7
Salary:
£15phn/£802.50pwn (£61,081gpa)
£15phn/£802.50pwn (£61,081gpa)
Start Date:
PLACED
PLACED
NOW PLACED BY STAFF OF DISTINCTION
Daily Housekeeper sought for role in South Kensington (SW7). The property is home to an informal family with children aged 6 to 16 years old. The home is fully staffed household with a full time Nanny, Driver, Chef and weekend nanny/housekeeper. The successful candidate will be responsible for all housekeeping duties including cleaning, changing beds, laundry, silver polishing, shoe polishing, basic sewing, food shopping, running errands and sweeping of front and back garden. You will also be required to do the school drop off and pick up once a week (5 min walk) for 2 children. The ideal candidate will be child friendly, a dynamic team player with lots of energy. A driver would be a bonus but is not essential. Working hours: Monday & Friday 8am-7pm and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8am-6.30pm, there will be rest breaks during the day. Interviewing now for an ASAP start. Salary on offer of £15phn/£802.50pwn (£61,081gpa). Interviewing now for an ASAP start.
Ref no: 32602
