Glossary of Roles

Housekeeper
Housekeepers are really the backbone of a smoothly run house, they don’t always have the highest profile in the house but they are the most missed when absent. This is why HPS will not only assess your housekeeping needs before sourcing the best choice of candidates but in addition, in-house training can be provided to ensure that this vital member of staff can start with a smooth transition. Typical Housekeeper works in the following capacities, live in or live out Housekeeper, Housekeeper/Nanny, Housekeeper/Cook. HPS can also source part time and temporary Housekeepers.

Nanny
Nannies can be hired into a variety of childcare roles within a private house setting. Although all require childcare assistance each particular family is unique. At HPS we try very hard to understand exactly what will work for your family set up and life style. As a guide a Nanny can be employed in the following roles, live in or live out Nanny, maternity Nanny, Nanny/Housekeeper, Nanny/PA, Nanny/Cook. HPS can help you to decide what will work best for you and then source suitable candidates for you to choose from. HPS can also source part time and temporary Nannies.

Manny
Male Nanny with same duties and variations as above but often favoured by parents of boys. We have also seen an increase in Mannies working with boys with a variety of learning difficulties and the feedback has been very positive.

Butler
Butlers are often the head of the household staff unless they work under a dedicated House Manager or Estate Manager or unless they are an only member of staff such as a Butler/Houseman. There is nothing more wonderfully traditional than an old fashioned Butler, however there are a great number of less formal Butlers employed too. Dare we say that some even work in jeans. Regardless of attire a Butler will be hired to do all or some of the following: organise and run the household, serve at table, cook light meals, organise parties, care for clothing, packing and unpacking, accompanying employer on vacations or to other homes and resuming service on location, personal shopping and light housekeeping. HPS has a great variety of trained Butlers to suit your individual needs.

Private Cook / Chef
HPS has many private Chefs and Cooks on our books. Some of our clients have full time Chefs who in addition to cooking for guests and entertaining manage all of their employers dietary needs be it for food intolerances, weight management or just to help them eat well. Others have part time Cooks that come once or a few times a week to fill the fridge with homemade goods and others just use our Chefs for one off parties. HPS can cater for all of the above.

Chauffeur / Driver
Drivers can be sourced for a variety of roles ranging from corporate Chauffeurs to family Drivers. Some purely drive and others are heavily involved in family life providing school runs and errands for the household. Drivers are often hired in the following posts, Driver/PA, Driver/House manager, Driver/Butler, even Driver/Manny.

Gardener
Gardeners are usually the domain of country houses, we have a number of experienced and qualified Gardeners looking to work all over the UK. We can also recommend garden services in London to care for smaller spaces and most recently have begun working closely with a Garden Designer if you need a planting plan or drawing up or an entire garden overhaul. Gardeners often work as part of a Domestic Couple (see below).

Domestic Couple
Domestic Couples are a popular choice for many households where there is adequate staff accommodation to house them together. One stop shopping if you like. Usually the work is split between them, Housekeeper/Cook and Gardener/Handyman. Although in larger properties with other staff there can be more unusual combinations such as Driver/Cook or Groom/Gardener. HPS has many Domestic Couples on our books and we can source any combinations that you may need.

House Manager / Estate Manager
House Managers and Estate Managers are usually hired to run one or more properties and manage multiple staff members. This role is often a progression from or undertaken in conjunction with a Butler role or PA role but not exclusively. HPS has a great number of Estate and House Managers both as candidates and clients as sourcing staff members is a key part of this role.

Private PA
Many homes now employ a Private PA on a full or part time basis. Holland Park Staffing can also supply Private PAs on an ad-hoc basis. Typical duties vary from household admin and diary management to personal shopping and general lifestyle management. See our Lifestyle Management page for more details.

Ladies Maid / Wardrobe manager
Ladies Maids take care of all clothing and will catalogue and organise your wardrobe, mend and alter pieces as required. They will have styling experience and good contacts for tracking down hard to find items and getting on exclusive waiting lists. They usually take care of shopping for all personal items, beauty products, etc. The will have top notch laundry skills and be able to manage and track any dry cleaning that leaves the household. In addition to the many full time Ladies Maids on our books HPS has an excellent in-house Wardrobe Manager to come and give your wardrobe a check up if required.