What Types of Household Staff Are There?

Whether you are looking to put on a private event or add some organisation to your home, you should consider hiring household staff. This is a broad definition that includes many different job roles for all sorts of functions. To meet your needs, you should understand what your options are and how they can help you.

The team at Nannies Matter have put together this list of key household staff roles that are suitable for a variety of situations. We will explain what each job role is for and whether they are versatile or specialised.

Chefs and Kitchen Staff

For private functions or day-to-day services, kitchen staff can help in a number of ways, from preparing professional-quality meals to keeping your kitchen space tidy and ensuring your cupboards have the right food when you need it.

Having a professional private chef cook for you and your guests will add to the eloquence of any gathering you may have. Additionally, if you find yourself with other responsibilities and are unable to cook - for example at a business-related event, or during a funeral - kitchen staff will alleviate this responsibility from you so you can focus on the other important aspects of your event.

Chefs may also come with different specialisations; consider the differences between an Italian cuisine chef and one who focuses on sushi. This will allow you to set the theme of your event and provide food to your guests that you may otherwise not have been able to make yourself.

Security Staff

Security staff play a fundamental role in any event where there may be a large number of people who you do not know very well. However, you may also wish to hire a security team or officer to keep your home safe for any length of time.

Security staff come in a variety of specialised roles, including guards, stewards and CCTV experts. Each serves a different role that may be appropriate for certain functions. In some cases, a personal security guard can also act as a chauffeur or a steward.

If you expect your guests to become rowdy, security guards may counteract this, but may cause guests to feel imposed upon in situations where it may not be necessary. You should consider what type of function you require of your security staff before employing them, to maximise your own productivity and your guests' comfort and safety.

Household Managers and Personal Assistants

Due to the range of duties a household manager must perform, the job role requires staff to be proactive, have great organisational skills and be able to multitask. Household managers can perform many of the functions of a personal assistant, such as organising and managing schedules and events, arranging maintenance and even training other household staff members.

A household manager - often referred to as an estate manager - may have a broad range of responsibilities relating to your house and estate on a macro scale, rather than micro. This separates them from personal assistants, who will work more closely with you to arrange your personal affairs.

As many of their responsibilities cross over, you should consider whether a personal assistant or a household manager may better suit your situation.

Private Chauffeurs

Private chauffeurs are not only for those who do not wish to drive themselves around, but can also perform a number of other duties, including maintaining your vehicle, transporting you, your guests and your family in a timely manner, and even picking your children up from school.

If you find your schedule packed, your private chauffeur will make sure you get to where you need to go in the most efficient way possible. In cases where you may consume alcohol, you can rely on a chauffeur to get you and your companions home safe.

A driver can make any party or formal gathering more convenient for those unable to drive, and add a flair of elegance. Private chauffeurs can be employed for specific functions and day-to-day services.

Nannies

Ensuring your children are cared for at all times is perhaps the most important duty you can perform as a parent. Unfortunately, life can get in the way - whether it is work or an important event, or simply a desire to let loose and shed your responsibilities for an evening. Hiring a professional nanny can help you to do all of these and more.

At Nannies Matter, we specialise in nanny services. We offer a range of services, from temporary nannies who can operate on a short-term basis, to live-in nannies who will reside in your home and care for your children at all times.

A nanny can prepare meals, perform the school run, provide supervision and arrange plans to keep your children active, social and healthy. We understand the importance of the younger years of a child's life and strive to provide the best nanny service to ensure their developmental needs are met and that they are brought up in a safe and happy environment.

For information on any of the services that Nannies Matter provides or can facilitate - including the range of household staff services included in this guide - call us today on 0800 121 4881. Alternatively, fill out the contact form on the side of this page and we will be in touch at a time convenient for you.