Our Candidates
We recognise that our clients need to feel secure in the knowledge that their house is being run by people who are reliable, trustworthy and whom they get on with.
At all times, we aim to have a selection of staff available who have passed through our initial selection process. We supply housekeepers, daily helps, nannies, chauffeurs and cooks to households in London, the Home Counties and further afield.
The selection process
We interview every candidate face-to-face, and verify their qualifications, references and, where appropriate, work permits. We recruit only the best quality candidates. All are picked for their positive attitude, loyalty and commitment.
From an understanding of your needs and of our candidates, we pick the best candidate for the particular position, looking for the chemistry to ensure a perfect match. Only then do we send the candidate to you for interview.
Our candidates are of a high calibre, and all have impeccable references and a proven employment history. They are professional, committed, loyal employees who are looking for permanent or temporary work in select households.
Roles and duties of domestic and household staff
Housekeepers – Competence, loyalty and dedication – combined with a positive attitude – all of these attributes are essential in a good housekeeper. This type of employee is always in demand, particularly when combined with childcare and cooking skills.
Couples – Couples who work together cover a whole range of skills and expertise, from housekeeper/cook/nanny and chauffeur/handyman, to the more formal lady’s maid and butler/valet.
Nannies – Well-qualified and experienced nannies to live in or live out, particularly those with driving skills, are in high demand. We also supply maternity nurses, often on a rota/shift basis
Chauffeurs – Our chauffeur candidates have an excellent knowledge of the London and UK road networks and are flexible in respect of working hours, being available from early morning until late evening.
Butlers/Valets – Our butler/valet candidates have experience in private households, silver service, meeting and greeting guests and clients, packing and unpacking suitcases, wardrobe management etc.
House / Estate Managers – Duties include managing the household, supervising other staff, scheduling home maintenance and repair, handling household bills, running errands, arranging events and travel and performing Family Office/PA duties.
Cooks/Chefs – Well-experienced cooks and chefs, who cook from fresh ingredients and use their own flair and individuality, whether it be family meals or a large banquet or dinner party. Sometimes the role is combined with housekeeping or butlering. Many of our cooks and chefs have knowledge of lifestyle and religious dietary requirements and food allergies.
Dailies – We can supply straightforward daily housekeepers, with proven track records.
Domestic Couples – Employing a couple gives you a team working for you, not two individuals. Typically the couple will work as chauffeur/handyman and housekeeper/cook, often with nannying, gardening, errands etc. There is a security plus – a couple are often in the house when the family is away.
Weekend Staff – We can supply weekend staff – to cover when your full time staff are not at work.
Temporary Staff – We also supply all types of temporary staff to cover holidays.
The list above is not exhaustive; Do please call us if you have a particular role you want to fill and we will do our very best to help you.
The FREE Essential Guide to Employing Domestic Staff
A free guide from The Graham Agency, is now available on our website. It makes crucial reading for the millions of households that employ or are thinking of employing domestic staff. [Download here]