At Stafftax, we provide payroll and HR services for employers who hire various types of domestic staff.

From professional working families who need an extra pair of hands, through to large estates and properties requiring multiple staff members.

But what are the most common types of domestic staff roles in the UK? We take a closer look at the top sought-after household staff roles and their duties.

Housekeeper

Job Role: A Housekeeper is responsible for the overall maintenance, organisation and cleanliness of the home. If the role is Housekeeper Manager, they have more decision-making abilities, overseeing the running of the household, managing external contractors and supervising other staff members.
Common Duties:
• Tidying and cleaning bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas.
• Providing sanitary amenities for the household residents.
• Discarding out-of-date items and food.
• Running errands such as food shopping, dry cleaning pick up and drop off and mail delivery.
• Laundry such as washing of dirty clothes, ironing, and providing clean and fresh linens.
• Overseeing the work of tradesmen and other household staff.

Note: A housekeeper will not be expected to carry out any deep cleaning such as dealing with grime and dirt – please see the role of a Household Cleaner.

Butler

Job Role: Traditionally, a Butler is responsible for the serving of food and beverages. However, the modern day Butler often steps into multiple aspects of the household, providing the highest level of care for the property, the principals and its guests.
Common Duties:
• Provide service of meals and refreshments to all family members and guests.
• Opening doors for family members and guests entering and leaving the residence.
• Checking stock of food in the household, replenishing the pantry when necessary.
• Acceptance and movement of deliveries.
• Cellar management of fine wine and spirits.
• Polishing, valeting, cleaning of silverware, special care for household antiques and art.
• Assisting with the hosting of formal occasions such as dinner parties.

Household Cleaner/ Maid

Job Role: A Cleaner undertakes deep cleaning of the property as required by the owner.
Common Duties:
• Carrying out deep cleaning and detailed cleaning tasks as required by the employer.
• High- and low-level dusting, sweeping, mopping, hoovering.
• Polishing of surfaces, furniture and units.
• End of tenancy cleaning or deep cleaning for commercial properties.
• Changing of bedding and assistance with laundry and ironing is also common.

Note: A cleaner should not be expected to tidy rooms or areas before carrying out their work in order to maximise their cleaning time i.e picking up clothes, toys and putting away other items that may hinder the cleaning process.

Chauffeur

Job Role: A Chauffeur drives household residents to and from specified locations. Whether it’s a business meeting, airport run or school drop off, a chauffeur can provide round the clock driving support, whilst taking care of the personal security of the employer and family.
Common Duties:
• Planning routes and anticipating needs for pickups, drop offs, or airport runs.
• Loading and unloading of personal belongings.
• A corporate chauffeur may be required to collect clients, deliver important documents and files.
• Caring for prestige and luxury vehicles or vintage cars.

Nanny

Job Role: A Nanny is responsible for taking care of the children in the household.
Common Duties:
• Changing and dressing the children, ensuring clean clothing and bedding.
• Cooking and preparing healthy meals and snacks for the children.
• School pick up and drop off plus transportation to any clubs, play dates or activities.
• Supporting the children with reading, writing and homework.
• Planning and carrying out activities with the children such as arts, crafts, cooking and sports.
• Organising outings such as visits to parks, museums and libraries.
• Caring for the children when they are sick, administering medication and accompanying to medical appointments if necessary.
• Maintaining cleanliness of toys, equipment, utensils and rooms used by the children such as their bedrooms and playrooms.

Nannytax is our award-winning sister service for families who hire a nanny.

Domestic Couple/ Couples Help

Job Role: A Domestic Couple carry out a range of tasks and duties in the household pertaining to their skillset and experience. A Domestic Couple is typically for those who require full household live-in support.
Common Duties:
The majority of couples are happy to multi-task and will cover tasks such as:
• Housekeeping and hands-on cleaning.
• Maintenance gardening.
• Household DIY.
• Cooking and meal prep.
• Childcare and pet care.

Note: The domestic couple could be married (husband and wife/ same sex couples), sisters or brothers. They will be looking for long-term commitment which includes provision of living accommodation.

Looking for staff in any of these positions? Use our Stafftax Agency Directory to find an agency who can support you with finding top level candidates.

Private Gardener

Job Role: A Private Gardener plans and cares for the garden or grounds of a household.
Common Duties:
• Planning of the garden.
• Suggesting and sourcing plants.
• Watering and spraying plants.
• Weeding, grass cutting, strimming, pruning, planting, mulching.
• Providing appropriate seasonal care.
• Mowing and lawn care.

Private Chef/ Cook

Job Role: A Private Chef prepares all fresh meals and snacks for the household. They can plan weekly menus, adhering to any special dietary requirements.
Common Duties:
• Preparing and serving fresh meals.
• Planning a weekly menu.
• Shopping and sourcing ingredients.
• Catering for the family’s parties or formal events.
• Clearing away and cleaning the kitchen.

Private Personal Trainer

Job Role: A private Personal Trainer creates customised work out plans and training regimes, using their expertise to help the employer achieve their fitness goals.
Common Duties:
• Conduct fitness assessments to establish fitness and skill level.
• Muscle training, body building, weight-based training.
• Create tailored exercise plans to meet goals.
• Elicit advice on health, nutrition, and lifestyle changes.

Stable Boy/ Groom

Job Role: A Stable Boy is responsible for some or all aspects of the management of horses and/or the care of the stables themselves.
Common Duties:
• Cleaning and grooming of horses.
• Feeding the horses, providing fresh hay and water.
• Cleaning stables and discarding animal waste.
• Riding and exercising the horses.

Private Carer/ Personal Care Assistant

Job Role: A Private Personal Care Assistant organises and supports individuals with their physical and social activities.
Common Duties:
• Help with personal care such as dressing and showering.
• Accompanying to social activities and medical appointments.
• Administering prescribed medication.
• Additional household support may include shopping, cleaning and cooking.

Private Personal Assistant

Job Role: A Private Personal Assistant undertakes various administrational tasks to support their employer’s day to day life. Tasks can be related to both the employer’s business and/or personal life.
Common Duties:
• Management of the employer’s calendar/ diary.
• Responsible for managing staff payroll matters (some PAs handle their employer’s Stafftax payroll account).
• Making travel arrangements and reservation bookings.
• Scheduling household maintenance.
• Filing, emailing and bookkeeping.

How can Stafftax help?

Employing domestic staff

Once you have found your household staff, our end-to-end payroll and employment service can take away the hassle of your legal obligations. From payslips and contracts to HR support and pensions management, our expert teams will handle all the time-consuming admin whilst ensuring you are complying with the latest HMRC legislation.

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