Job Purpose
The Housekeeper helps create a safe, welcoming and dignified environment for families staying at the House. By maintaining consistently high standards of cleanliness and presentation, and by providing a warm, reassuring presence, the role supports families' comfort and wellbeing during what can be a highly stressful time. The Housekeeper also works alongside volunteers and colleagues to support front-of-house activity and events, as required.
Key Responsibilities
1. House Standards and Environment
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Clean and maintain family rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, lounges, dining areas and other communal spaces to a consistently high standard.
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Prepare rooms promptly, ensuring they are comfortable, hygienic and ready for incoming families.
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Take pride in how the House looks, feels and functions, proactively spotting what needs attention throughout the day.
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Use sound judgement to maintain standards consistently and raise concerns promptly when expectations are not being met.
2. Family Interaction and Experience
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Welcome and engage with families in a warm, respectful and compassionate way, recognising that Housekeepers are often among the first staff members families see each day.
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Provide a consistent, familiar presence that contributes to families feeling safe, reassured and cared for.
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Respond to queries about room standards, comfort and the House environment, resolving issues where possible and escalating appropriately.
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Be mindful of families' needs while maintaining privacy, confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.
3. Safeguarding Awareness and Professional Conduct
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Maintain awareness of safeguarding principles and always follow House safeguarding policies and procedures.
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Notice changes in the House environment or a family's presentation that may indicate additional support is needed and share concerns promptly with the appropriate team member.
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Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion, in line with House policy.
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Help maintain a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for families, volunteers and colleagues.
4. Operational Support, Volunteers and Events
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Work collaboratively with volunteers, helping them carry out their roles effectively and reinforcing House standards and expectations.
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Support in-house events and activities, including preparation and set-up, to help maintain a welcoming environment for families.
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Provide reception cover where required, acting as a welcoming first point of contact and signposting queries appropriately.
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Work closely with Family Services Assistants, Deputies and other team members to support smooth day-to-day operations.
5. Health, Safety and Compliance
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Follow health and safety procedures, including the safe use of cleaning equipment and materials.
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Store cleaning products securely and in line with COSHH requirements.
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Support infection control, fire safety and emergency procedures as required.
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Report maintenance, safety or environmental concerns promptly using House reporting processes.
What Success Looks Like
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Families consistently experience a clean, calm and welcoming environment that supports comfort, dignity and wellbeing.
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House standards are maintained throughout shifts, with issues resolved quickly or escalated appropriately.
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The housekeeping function contributes positively to the wider House culture and supports smooth day-to-day operations.
Person Specification
Essential
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Experience of cleaning to a high standard in a domestic, hospitality, healthcare or similar environment.
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A warm, respectful approach when working around families in sensitive circumstances.
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Good awareness of health and safety, including safe handling and storage of cleaning materials (COSHH).
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Able to work independently, use initiative and prioritise tasks to meet daily needs.
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Reliable, punctual and flexible to meet service needs (including occasional reception or event support).
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Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Desirable
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Experience of working in a family support, charity, hospitality or front-of-house setting.
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Safeguarding training (or willingness to complete training as part of induction).
Working Pattern and Requirements
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Working hours: A range of hours available
- Weekend / bank holiday working
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Physical requirements: Regular standing, bending, lifting and carrying of cleaning materials/equipment.
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Safer recruitment checks: Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and required pre-employment checks, including a DBS.
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There is no staff parking available directly at the hospital, however there is a Park and Ride
