Roles and Responsibilities for Live-In Domestic Couples
Learn about the tasks that employers expect live-in domestic couples to handle, including housekeeping, maintenance, cooking, and driving duties.
Common Jobs of Live-In Domestic Couples
Live-in domestic couples often take on a variety of roles, and understanding these responsibilities is key to finding a position that suits your skills and preferences.
Common duties may include housekeeping, cooking, maintenance, and driving. Housekeeping can involve deep cleaning, laundry, and organising household schedules. Maintenance duties might range from simple handyman tasks to gardening, while cooking can include everything from preparing daily meals to assisting with events. Some domestic couple positions do not require cooking at all, or may only include catering for children's meals. In some homes, driving duties can also be part of the job. It is important to have an open conversation with your employer to establish clear expectations for each role. Couples who share complementary skills often find this work most rewarding.
Housekeeping
Housekeeping is a core aspect of domestic couple roles, ensuring a well-maintained and efficiently run home. Daily tasks typically include making beds, vacuuming, dusting, and general tidying. In more formal households, additional responsibilities may involve specialised care for delicate fabrics and haute couture, which can sometimes require the expertise of dedicated laundresses or wardrobe managers to handle these items with precision.
Seasonal and monthly deep-cleaning tasks, such as polishing brass, cleaning windows, and thorough dusting, are also essential for maintaining the home’s appearance and functionality. These tasks are often prioritised during quieter periods or when the principals are away, ensuring the home remains in pristine condition.
In some cases, domestic couples may take on roles as head housekeepers, butlers, or estate managers. In these instances, they oversee other staff members, often including daily live-out housekeepers. This supervisory role involves coordinating tasks, managing schedules, and ensuring that all aspects of the household operate seamlessly, further highlighting the versatility and importance of domestic couples in maintaining a well-run home.
Cooking (Not all jobs require cooking)
Cooking responsibilities for domestic couples can vary significantly, depending on the specific needs and preferences of the household. Some domestic couple roles involve no cooking at all, while others require varying levels of culinary expertise. In certain positions, you may only be expected to assist with basic meal preparation, whereas others might call for the preparation of a wide range of dishes, from everyday family meals to formal dinners for guests.
For couples responsible for cooking, completing a Food Hygiene course in the UK is highly advisable. Such courses not only enhance your CV but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen. Additionally, cooking can often be one of the most challenging tasks for domestic staff, as taste preferences are highly subjective. It is essential to be transparent about your culinary skills during the interview process and to gain a clear understanding of the level of expertise required by the household.
In some UK households, live-in chefs manage most of the cooking, leaving domestic couples responsible only for preparing family-style meals when the chef is unavailable. In more informal homes, or those with children, cooking duties may include preparing simple meals specifically for the little ones. Each household is unique, and expectations can vary greatly, making clear communication key to ensuring both parties are satisfied with the arrangement.
Looking After Animals
Animal care is often a vital aspect of working as a domestic couple, particularly on larger estates. Responsibilities typically include walking and feeding dogs but may also extend to caring for other animals, such as alpacas, chickens, and horses. Couples employed on larger properties may be required to provide comprehensive care for these animals, ensuring their health and wellbeing are prioritised.
In some live-in couple roles, one partner may be expected to possess specific skills, such as experience in handling horses or working as a groom. These positions demand a genuine passion for animals, alongside the ability to manage their daily care routines efficiently and attentively.
Gardening
Some level of gardening is a common responsibility for domestic couples, encompassing roles such as head gardeners, groundskeepers, and general garden maintenance. Some couples hold formal qualifications, while others rely on hands-on experience. We started with neither and stuck to jobs where there were professional gardeners or the role only required basic mowing etc. Possessing RHS qualifications or chainsaw licences is particularly advantageous for those working on country estates, as these skills are highly valued for managing extensive gardens and landscapes and are often gateway jobs to estate management.
In urban settings, city-based domestic couples may be required to care for smaller gardens or maintain seasonal window box displays, particularly in prestigious areas such as Mayfair, Knightsbridge, and Chelsea in London’s West End. Whether managing a sprawling estate or a compact urban garden, the ability to maintain beautiful and well-kept outdoor spaces is a highly sought-after skill in domestic couple positions.
Responsibilities may include planting, pruning, pest control, and lawn care, all of which demand both practical knowledge and creativity. Understanding the specific needs and preferences of each household is essential, as garden styles and expectations can vary considerably.
Driving Duties
Driving duties are a common responsibility for domestic couples, with almost all positions requiring at least one partner to hold a full, clean UK driving licence. In many roles, particularly those in urban settings, driving can be a primary responsibility, often undertaken by the male partner in a husband-and-wife team. This is especially true for jobs in London, where households in areas such as Mayfair, Chelsea, and Knightsbridge may employ dedicated drivers as part of a domestic couple's role.
If you are driving in London, you will likely be responsible for operating high-end luxury vehicles such as Mercedes, BMWs, Bentleys, Range Rovers, and Rolls-Royces. Job advertisements for these positions often specify the types of vehicles required, and candidates are expected to maintain a professional appearance that reflects the prestige of the role. Furthermore, a key aspect of the job involves ensuring that the vehicles are kept in immaculate condition at all times, as well as arranging regular servicing and maintenance.
In family homes, driving duties frequently include school runs, airport transfers, and running errands, ensuring that the household's transportation needs are met efficiently. For roles based on country estates, some positions may include a car for personal use as part of the employment package, offering added convenience for the couple.
It is important for domestic couples to understand the specific driving requirements of any position they are applying for and to discuss these expectations during the interview process. Being fully aware of and comfortable with the driving responsibilities involved is crucial, as they can form a significant part of the role.
Importance of Clear Expectations
It’s important to have an open conversation with your employer to establish clear expectations for each role. Couples who share complementary skills often find this work most rewarding.
Disclaimer
The content of our website reflects our personal experiences and opinions. It is not intended as legal advice. All claims are presented in good faith to raise awareness and advocate for reform in live-in domestic staffing roles. For specific legal advice, please consult a qualified professional.
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