The Most Common Domestic Staff Roles in the UK

  • April 18, 2024

At Stafftax, we deliver a bespoke and discreet payroll & HR service tailored to employers who hire private staff to work in their home. There are many different types of domestic staff, from Dog Walkers to Chauffeurs, but what are the most common types of domestic staff roles? According to our data, and with the support of the UK’s leading domestic staff agencies, we have devised that these are the current top six domestic staff roles in the UK…

Housekeeper

Housekeepers often serve as the foundation of a well-run home. The specific duties of a housekeeper may vary depending on the needs and requirements of their employer. Domestic agency Home Organisers explain that a housekeeper’s duties typically involve keeping the house clean and tidy, managing laundry, and keeping track of household supplies.

Discover our payroll for housekeepers here.

Personal Assistant

Personal assistants ensure that their employers’ lives run seamlessly. There are many reasons as to why you may want to hire a Private Personal Assistant. From administrative tasks to recruiting household staff, the role of a Personal Assistant is “hugely diverse”, according to domestic staff agency Greycoat Lumleys.

Find out more about our PA payroll service here.

Stafftax | The most common domestic staff roles in the UK | Housekeeper

Private Chef

Employing a Private Chef has many benefits. From conveniently saving thePrincipals of the home valuable time, to providing healthy and delectable meals for the household, a Private Chef has many responsibilities. It’s no wonder that Leaman Consulting describes Private Chefs as the ‘heart’ of the home.

Looking for a bespoke payroll service for chefs? Find out more here.

House Manager

House Managers are often integral to maintaining the efficiency of the household, which is why many homeowners choose to hire a House Manager. Their workload and responsibilities do vary depending on the size of the estate, but as a general rule, a House Manager will be hands-on in delegating duties and covering daily tasks, say domestic agency Bespoke Bureau.

See how we can support your household with their house manager payroll.

Stafftax | The most common domestic staff roles in the UK | Private Chef

Private Gardener

Caring for the outside of your home is just as important as caring for the inside, which is why Private Gardeners are a popular choice amongst domestic staff employers in the UK. There are many benefits of hiring a full time Private Gardener, as Town & Country Staff explains, Private Gardeners play an important role in maintaining and enhancing the aesthetic beauty of the property.

Find out more about our private gardener payroll and HR service here.

Carer

Private Carers can provide much-needed reassurance and support for people who need them. The role and responsibilities of a Private Carer depend on the level of care their client needs. The Lady Recruits say the role may include bathing, dressing, administering medication, and assisting with prescribed physiotherapy exercises.

We offer a dedicated payroll and HR service for carers, read more here.

Nanny/Housekeeper

Nanny/Housekeepers offer many benefits for busy families as their duties combine childcare with household tasks. The popularity of the Nanny/Housekeeper role has risen in recent years, and many families with school-aged children choose to employ a Nanny/Housekeeper in order to benefit from the flexibility a nanny provides, whilst also providing their nanny with full-time employment.

Are you a nanny working in a household with multiple members of Staff? Sometimes this can feel daunting, which is why we asked Ella, a seasoned Superyacht nanny, to share her top tips for nailing the art of communicating with household staff. Read here.

Find out more about our Nanny/Housekeeper payroll service here

What are some less common domestic staff roles?

The above may be the most common roles in the domestic staff industry, but there are lots of other roles out there that may be a better suit for your household, depending on your wants and needs. Here are some examples of the other types of household staff you could employ: 

Under-Butler

Assisting the Head-butler with managing the day-to-day operations of a household, the main responsibilities of an Under-butler may include serving meals, supervising junior staff, and ensuring the smooth running of the household.

Domestic Couple

Typically a married couple who work together to manage and help with various household tasks, such as housekeeping, cooking, gardening, and property maintenance.

Private Personal Chauffeur

Tasked with providing transportation services to a specific individual or family, a Private Personal Chauffeur is often responsible for vehicle maintenance, route planning, and ensuring the comfort and safety of passengers.

Stable Boy/ Groom

Ensures that the horses are fed, groomed, exercised, and that the stables are kept clean and tidy. They may also assist with tasks related to horse training and transporting horses.

Stafftax | The most common domestic staff roles in the UK | Stable boy / groom

Lady’s Maid

Typically helps with tasks related to personal grooming, wardrobe management, household duties, and other personal tasks as required by their female employer.

An employed Private Personal Trainer

Provides customised fitness training to an individual or family, working closely with their client to develop exercise routines, track progress, and encourage motivation.

Stafftax | The most common domestic staff roles in the UK | Private Personal Trainer

Household Security

Responsible for ensuring the safety and security of a household, their role includes deterring intruders, and responding effectively to any security threats.

Superyacht Staff

Provide a top-tier service to their employer and employer’s guests, contributing to the smooth operation and enjoyment of life aboard the yacht. 

By recognising and understanding the diverse responsibilities and expertise required in each of these roles, employers can make informed hiring decisions to meet their specific needs. Whether it’s the meticulous upkeep of the home by a Housekeeper or the culinary delights prepared by a Private Chef, each role can contribute to the overall seamless operation of a household. As Home Organisers, Greycoat Lumleys, Leaman Consulting, Bespoke Bureau, Town & Country Staff, and The Lady Recruits demonstrate, investing in the right domestic staff can transform a house into a cherished and well-managed home.

The most common domestic staff roles may change from year to year. You can stay up-to-date with Stafftax by following us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

With special thanks to Signature Staff

Stafftax | The most common domestic staff roles in the UK | Signature Staff

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