Housekeeper

Role Introduction

Eton’s Boarding Houses are integral to the students’ lives and provide space for boys to be part of a community which provides wrap-around care to ensure that they can succeed in their academic and general development. As a Housekeeper you will be responsible, under the direction of the Cleaning Supervisor, for cleaning designated areas within the educational premises to ensure that they are kept in a clean and hygienic environment. Areas predominately include the Boarding Houses, including pupils’ rooms, communal areas, house staff’s offices and living areas, which are located across multiple floors and accessed by stairs.

From time to time you may be required to help other areas of the school, such as setting up examination rooms (i.e. moving tables and chairs around the school) and working as part of a team. There will also be duties in our Central Cleaning stores sorting cleaning materials and getting them ready to be distributed around the School.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Cleaning, washing, sweeping, vacuum cleaning, emptying of litter bins, polishing, dusting of all fixtures and fittings of the designated areas within the boarding house, including toilets, bathrooms and shower areas. This would include movement of items of furniture to enable efficient and effective cleaning;
• Supervise pupils’ clothes and laundry, sending pupils’ clothing and sheets to laundry once a week; check return of these items and report numbers of missing sheets and pillowcases. Make sure name tapes are sewn on all items of pupils’ clothing;
• Using where appropriate the correct powered equipment for vacuuming, shampooing, scrubbing & polishing of floor areas (training in use of equipment can be provided). Specialist cleaning knowledge is preferred;
• To help out during small events and larger social functions to meet the needs of the House;
• Establish good relations with pupils from an early stage and encourage them in all aspects of tidiness, e.g. hanging up suits, turning off electric equipment, making beds;
• There is a strong element of pastoral care and the Housekeeper has a responsibility to ensure that any concerns or information is communicated to the Dame and that the College’s child protection procedures are adhered to at all times;
• All duties must be carried out to adhere to the Security, Health & Safety and Fire precautions policies including COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations) compliance;
• To perform other such duties as may be reasonably requested by the Cleaning Supervisor or Managers within the designated areas, these may vary between term time and school holiday time;
• Attend meetings and training sessions as required for the College and for the role.

All employees of Eton College are also expected to:

• Have a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, given all positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’.
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This includes but is not limited to completing safeguarding training as required and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood.
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.
• Display a commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.

The Ideal Candidate

Skills and Competencies Required:

You may enjoy this role, if:

• You take pride in your work and pay great attention to detail, delivering the highest possible standards;
• You have worked in a similar role, or have previous cleaning, serving or housekeeping experience, however this is not essential if you have the right attitude and you are keen to learn;
• You understand the impact your work has on pupils who are away from home, especially those who have recently joined the College and who are in unfamiliar surroundings;
• You enjoy engaging with young people, you are keen to develop good relationships with pupils, and you will always act in the pupils’ best interests;
• You have a flexible approach to work and a positive ‘can do’ attitude;
• You enjoy working as part of a team and are co-operative, flexible and work collaboratively to support your colleagues;
• You are able to work unsupervised and use your own initiative;
• You have good verbal communication skills;
• You are punctual and well presented.

Working Pattern

• You will be working 40.6 weeks per year. (You will be paid over 12 months).
• You will be entitled to 5.6 weeks of holiday.
• You will be working Mon-Sat, 9am-1pm.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on [email protected] so we can make adjustments accordingly.

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.