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Housekeepers
Our Housekeepers will oversee the smooth running and upkeep of the household to ensure everything is in working order. Housekeepers work mainly alone, under the direction of the Principal to undertake all cleaning and laundry duties to a high standard. A Housekeeper from our register will attend to keeping the household fully stocked with provisions including food and drinks, household cleaning goods, washing and laundry detergents. They can monitor household repairs and keep up-to-date with any servicing/maintenance to be performed by external specialists.
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
£500-£600 net per week for an 10-12 hour day
Live-out salaries
£12-£14 net per hour for an 8-10 hour day
Duties
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.
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.
Job code: J36566AD
Location:
Kensington
Kensington
Salary:
£600pwn-£800pwn
£600pwn-£800pwn
Start Date:
ASAP
ASAP
Daily Housekeeper sought in Kensington. The large property is home to a single principle. The principles 3 children visit every other week and two Nannies are employed. Role duties will include; all cleaning, polishing, laundry, maintaining the house, dealing with contractors and serving at dinner parties. Light cooking also required. The ideal candidate will have VIP experience, attention to detail and be flexible. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to secure a long term role and is fluent in Tagalog. Hours: Monday – Friday 50 hours per week, with flexibility to work occasional weekends, with time off during the week. Salary: £600pwn-£800pwn dependent on experience. Interviews to commence ASAP for an urgent start.
Ref no: J36566
Job code: J36564AD
Location:
Chelsea
Chelsea
Salary:
£12phn-£14phn
£12phn-£14phn
Start Date:
ASAP
ASAP
Child friendly Daily Housekeeper sought in Chelsea. The 4 bedroom home is home to an informal family of 4, including G7 years and B10 months. Role duties will include; all cleaning, laundry, dealing with contractors and running errands. A Nanny is employed, however the chosen Housekeeper must be child friendly as in the future the role may develop into a Nanny/ HK role. The family also have a Labrador, so the Housekeeper must be pet friendly. Some light cooking may be required, the family eat healthily and there would be simply recipes to follow. This is a long term position and would suit an individual who is active (as the property has 4 floors), hardworking, reliable and caring towards children. Hours: Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm. Help for a few hours on an occasional Saturday may be required. Salary between £12phn-£14phn dependent on experience. Interviews to commence right away for an ASAP start.
Ref no: J36564
Job code: J36559AD
Location:
Denham, Uxbridge
Denham, Uxbridge
Salary:
£32,000gpa
£32,000gpa
Start Date:
ASAP
ASAP
Daily Housekeeper sought in Denham, Uxbridge. Large property and home to a couple. Typical duties will include cleaning, laundry and antique care. A full time chef is employed, however on their day off, you may be required to heat up a meal or prepare something light. The principles have a second property in central London; the chosen candidate may also be required to work there for 1 day each week. The chosen candidate will be extremely proactive and have good initiative. Hours: Monday – Friday, 35-40 hours per week. Due to the location of the property, a driver would be a huge bonus. Role to commence ASAP. Salary: £32,000gpa.
Ref no: J36559
Job code: J36551AD
Location:
Sandhurst, Berkshire
Sandhurst, Berkshire
Salary:
£30kgpa
£30kgpa
Start Date:
ASAP
ASAP
Live in Housekeeper sought in Sandhurst, Berkshire. The large, part time residence is home to a couple whom tend to visit for 10 days each month. Role duties will include; laundry, ironing, general cleaning, some maintenance when required and arranging of contractors. This is a relaxed house household and the principles are very informal. The current Housekeeper has been employed for an impressive 15 years! This position would suit an individual who is independent, happy to work mainly on their own, is proactive and a great all-rounder. A one bedroom flat with its own entrance will be provided with all bills included. Weekend gardeners are employed. Due to the location, a driver is essential. Hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm. Salary: £30,000gpa. Interviews to commence right away for an ASAP start.
Ref no: J36551
Job code: J36539AD
Location:
Kensington
Kensington
Salary:
£13-£15phn
£13-£15phn
Start Date:
ASAP
ASAP
Part time Housekeeper/Cook sought for role in Kensington. The modern apartment is home to an informal family of 3. All housekeeping duties required including cleaning, ironing, laundry and healthy vegetarian cooking. The family currently employ a maternity nurse. The ideal housekeeper would be reliable, easy-going and efficient. Hours: 30 hours per week, ideally 6 hours across 5 days – the employer is flexible with the day and timings. Role to commence ASAP. Salary between £13-£15phn dependent on experience.
Ref no: J36539
Job code: J36531AD
Location:
Girvan, Scotland
Girvan, Scotland
Salary:
£30kgpa+
£30kgpa+
Start Date:
May 2021
May 2021
Live in Cook/Housekeeper sought for role in a Girvan, South West Scotland. The family are seeking a passionate cook who enjoys variety and takes pride in their work and their environment, keeping a household to a high standard. Primary duties include; cooking high quality, healthy meals, catering for dinner parties, meal planning, baking, ordering provisions, household management and liaising with contractors. Housekeeping and cleaning will be required to a high standard including table laying, plating, washing up, laundry and security. Other duties will include babysitting, pet care and driving. The position is full time but very seasonal in nature. The role is variable and only very busy for short periods at a time. This position is based on a five-day working week, with time given off in lieu during seasonal peak demand. Hours when principles are in residence (3 weeks in august and very adhoc throughout the year) will be 8am – 8pm (including weekends, days off during the week). Lots of downtime when not in residence and shorter hours. Accommodation provided is a 2 bedroom cottage or family home. Pets, partners and children are welcome. May start. Salary: £30kgpa+ negotiable dependant on experience.
Ref no: J36531
Job code: J36532AD
Location:
Stranraer, Scotland
Stranraer, Scotland
Salary:
£28k-£30kgpa
£28k-£30kgpa
Start Date:
ASAP
ASAP
Live in Housekeeper sought for a large property on a rural estate in Stranraer, Scotland. The property is home to a family of four with two children aged 13 and 8. The family also have 5 dogs, ponies and chickens. Your duties will include cleaning, laundry, cooking and liaising with contractors. You will also be responsible for the on-site, seasonal holiday cottages. Ideal candidate will be active, warm child friendly and computer literate. A great working environment with very appreciative employers. 3 bedroom accommodation provided with lovely views. Partners and dependants welcome. Hours: Tue-Sat 9am-6pm. Flexibility required for extra help and split shifts during shooting season. Salary on offer is £28k-£30kgpa dependant on experience. ASAP start.
Ref no: J36532
Job code: J36501AD
Location:
Gloucesteshire
Gloucesteshire
Salary:
£32kgpa
£32kgpa
Start Date:
ASAP
ASAP
Live in Housekeeper sought in Gloucestershire(GL18). Home to a single, mature employer, the chosen candidate should be very trustworthy, friendly and active. Role duties will include; laundry, ironing, bed making, general cleaning, food shopping and running errands. The principle is a keen cook and baker, however daily assistance by the Housekeeper will be required. This position would suit an individual who has a love for the countryside. There is an outdoor kitchen with a vegetable patch. Someone who enjoys picking berries to make jam to essential! Accommodation; Self-contained flat with separate entrance (suitable for a single candidate). The flat can either be furnished or unfurnished and all bills will be covered. Pets are welcome. A part time cleaner and gardener are employed. Due to the location, a driver is essential. Hours: Monday – Friday between 8-10 hours a day. The chosen candidate should however be flexible to work occasional weekends with two days off during the week and arranged in advance. Salary: £32,000gpa. Interviews to commence right away and position to commence ASAP.
Job ref: J36501
Job code: J36450AD
Location:
Bath
Bath
Salary:
Negotiable
Negotiable
Start Date:
ASAP
ASAP
Daily or Live in Housekeeper sought for down to earth and informal family of 4 near Bath. The role will be primarily housekeeping based; all cleaning, washing, ironing. Some afterschool childcare duties required a couple of days a week and during school holidays. Experience with property management would also be a bonus as the family have some holiday lets. The chosen candidate should be friendly, reliable, with a pro-active and muck-in attitude. If Live-In, accommodation provided will be a private cottage, all bills included. Pets and partners are welcome. Working hours will be 8:30am – 5:30pm 4 week days (days off being Saturday, Sunday and a day in the week). A driver is essential and the role is to commence as soon as the right person has been found. For live in: starting from £475pwn and live out, starting from £13phn (Salaries are negotiable dependent on experience). If the chosen candidate would like to work overtime, there will be an opportunity if they wish to work an additional 4 hours per week. Role to commence as soon as the right person has been found.
Ref no: J36450
Job code: J36260AD
Location:
Devon
Devon
Salary:
Up to £35kgpa
Up to £35kgpa
Start Date:
ASAP/Flexible for the right candidate
ASAP/Flexible for the right candidate
Placed by Staff of Distinction
Experienced and loyal live in Housekeeper sought to maintain a large 9 bedroom family home in North Devon. Well staffed estate situated in a rural location. All housekeeping duties required, ensuring that the house is kept to a consistently 5* standard. Running local errands, shopping, house security, washing, ironing, wardrobe management (ensuring everything is well organised and tidy), on occasions looking after and entertaining the 3 children (all of school age). Child and pet friendly essential (family have 4 dogs). The chosen candidate must be motivated in their work and enjoy keeping the residence in a pristine and very organised condition. A good team spirit is required and so is knowledge of how to care for fine furniture. Hours: Thursday – Monday (9am – 6pm, with 1 hour for lunch). Accommodation: separate and spacious one bedroomed apartment (all bills included). Driver required, car provided whilst on duty. Role to commence as soon as the right person has been found. Salary: up to £35,000gpa.
Ref no: J36260
