Specialist selection of live-in staff for families and properties in London and the main residential areas of the United Kingdom.
Request profilesMaids & Co is an agency specialising in the selection of live-in domestic staff for families and properties in the United Kingdom, from residences in Kensington, Chelsea or Mayfair to country houses in Surrey, Berkshire or the Cotswolds.
In the United Kingdom we select live-in staff only, living in the property or in accommodation provided by the family: from traditional household duties to cooking, driving, childcare, personal assistance, maintenance and running a team.
A London residence may need a live-in head housekeeper, a nanny, a chef or a chauffeur; a larger house in Richmond, Wimbledon or Surrey, several members of staff; and a country property in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire or the Cotswolds may work better with a domestic couple or caretakers.
Before any search, we look at how the home is used, the existing staff, the children, travel, guests, vehicles and grounds.
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Staff for town residences with varied household structures
Large flats and townhouses over several floors, often with established teams in which a head housekeeper coordinates a nanny, chef, chauffeur or butler; in other homes, one experienced person covers several roles. Experience in similar residences is key.
Live-in staff for families with several residences and international schedules
Families who travel often and need the house kept in order during long absences: a head housekeeper for laundry, shopping and suppliers, a personal assistant or a nanny who joins certain trips.
Staff for family houses and homes with children
Large family houses with gardens, where nannies, governesses, chefs and head housekeepers are needed. With several children, pets, activities and travel, it helps to separate childcare from household duties.
Staff for larger properties
Further from the centre come detached houses, gardens, garages and more driving: a combined chauffeur and maintenance role, a domestic couple or several staff may suit.
Live-in staff for residences and properties with larger grounds
A domestic couple is especially suitable when one looks after the interior, kitchen and laundry and the other handles driving, maintenance, vehicles, grounds and suppliers.
Live-in staff for country houses and second homes
Houses the family uses at weekends, in the holidays or for set periods, which must stay ready while it is away. We select independent domestic couples and caretakers with real experience of this setting.
Lives in the homeThe employee lives in the property or in accommodation provided by the family and works under the agreed terms.
Living in does not mean being available at all hours: duties, hours, rest and accommodation are set out from the start.
It is the right arrangement when the family needs continuity, travels often or the property needs a steady presence.
We select staff with fluent English and other languages when the role requires them; in childcare, personal assistance or with families who travel often, language can be essential.
We assess both people together, look at how they actually shared the work in previous roles and check their references. A couple can combine interior and cooking with driving, garden, vehicles, maintenance and supervising the property.
In Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire or the Cotswolds, a domestic couple brings a steady presence and a clear split between interior, kitchen, driving, maintenance, vehicles and grounds.
Since Brexit, Spanish nationality is not enough to work in the United Kingdom: we check from the outset that the candidate's documentation is compatible with the role.
Maids & Co handles the search, assessment, interviews and reference checks, and supports the family through the start of the role. The employment relationship is formalised directly between the family and the employee, under the applicable rules.
Official sourcegov.uk: “Overseas Domestic Worker visa” and “Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations” (table 6, ineligible occupations).
General guidance, not legal advice: each case is confirmed with the family's adviser or the country's authorities.
The process begins with an analysis of the property, the family, the duties of the role and its terms. The first profiles usually arrive within a few days; the start date depends on travel and, where needed, on permits.
Together with the family we define the profile, the duties, the accommodation and the main requirements of the role.
We search for and interview people with relevant experience and check their track record and references.
We present a shortlist of suitable profiles so that the family can meet them and judge the fit in person.
Once the family has chosen, we support the start of the role and the setting of its terms.
The family pays nothing during the search. Only when the person starts, and if the family is satisfied, is a single fee due: one month of the agreed salary, plus VAT where applicable depending on where the job is. No subscriptions or lock-in.
A single payment, only when the person starts. The exact amount is confirmed in advance.
If you're not satisfied during the first month, we refund 50% of the fee.
Interviews can take place by video or in person. The family covers the travel for the start of the role.
Yes, and in Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Notting Hill, Hampstead, Richmond or Wimbledon, as well as Surrey, Berkshire, the Cotswolds and Cheshire, depending on the needs of each family and property.
Only if she already has the right to work there, for example with EU Settlement Scheme status. The Overseas Domestic Worker visa only allows someone to accompany an employer for up to 6 months, and domestic roles are not eligible for the Skilled Worker visa. We check this before presenting candidates.
A domestic couple or an independent caretaker usually suits, able to keep the house ready while the family is away, supervise suppliers and deal with problems.
Domestic couplesYes. For families with several residences or international schedules, we look for nannies and governesses who can accompany certain trips, with travel and duties defined from the start.
Nothing during the search in the United Kingdom, from London to the Cotswolds. When the person starts, a single fee is due: one month of the agreed salary, plus VAT where applicable. If you're not satisfied during the first month, we refund 50% of the fee.
Fees and guaranteeIt is not just about filling a vacancy, but about finding the person whose experience, way of working and availability fit your London residence or your country house.
