Find answers to common questions about hiring private household staff, working with Irving Scott, and building a career in domestic staffing and private service.
For Employers
Frequently Asked Questions
Our household staffing placement fees vary depending on the role and salary level. We provide transparent pricing for all private staff placements with no hidden costs. Typically, placement fees range from 15-25% of the first year's salary. For temporary placements, we charge a daily or weekly rate. Contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your specific requirements.
It depends on the role and the household. A housekeeper in London? We might have someone within a week. A live-in estate manager for a country house? That takes longer — usually 4-6 weeks. Typically, we present shortlisted candidates within 2-3 weeks. For urgent requirements, we can often expedite the process and present candidates within days.
We don't cut corners on this. Every candidate goes through DBS checks (or international equivalents), reference verification covering at least 5 years of employment history, qualification checks, identity verification, and right-to-work documentation. For international candidates, we coordinate with trusted partners to ensure equivalent screening standards.
Yes, we offer a replacement guarantee period for all permanent household staff placements. If a placement doesn't work out within the agreed guarantee period (typically 3-6 months depending on the role), we will find a replacement at no additional fee. This demonstrates our commitment to finding the right long-term match.
Absolutely. We regularly place staff in London, Dubai, Monaco, Marbella, Geneva, New York, and other luxury destinations worldwide. We handle all aspects of international placement including visa assistance, relocation support, and ensuring candidates understand local employment laws and cultural expectations.
Our founder Paloma Irving grew up in a privately staffed household, giving us unique insight into family dynamics. We focus on cultural fit and personality profiling, not just skills and experience. Our high client retention rate and over 500 successful placements since 2013 speak to our commitment to lasting relationships. We also offer post-placement support to ensure smooth integration.
Yes, we provide both temporary and permanent staff placements. Whether you need coverage for holidays, events, short-term projects, or emergency situations, we can provide qualified professionals for any duration from single days to several months.
Confidentiality is paramount in private household staffing. All staff sign comprehensive NDAs, we use secure systems for data handling, never disclose client identities without permission, conduct interviews in private settings, and maintain strict protocols for handling sensitive information. Many of our clients are UHNW individuals and we understand the importance of absolute discretion.
While we don't offer refunds on placement fees (as substantial work goes into each search), we do provide a replacement guarantee. If a placement doesn't work out during the guarantee period, we will conduct a new search at no additional cost. This policy ensures you receive the service you paid for.
Yes, we provide comprehensive HR support including drafting employment contracts tailored to your specific requirements, guidance on salary benchmarking, advice on benefits packages, assistance with tax and National Insurance obligations, and ongoing HR support. We can also recommend trusted payroll providers and employment lawyers.
For Candidates
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply for specific positions through our jobs page, or register your details through our candidate registration form. We review all applications carefully and will contact you if your profile matches current or upcoming requirements. Even if we don't have an immediate opening, we keep strong candidates on file for future opportunities.
No, there is never any fee for candidates. Our services are completely free for job seekers. We are paid by the employing families, never by the staff we place. Any agency that charges candidates fees should be avoided.
Requirements vary by role, but generally we look for relevant experience in the specific position, excellent references covering at least 5 years, appropriate qualifications (e.g., Norland diploma for nannies, chef training for private chefs), strong English language skills, flexibility and discretion, and a genuine passion for service excellence. Each role has specific requirements detailed in the job description.
While private household experience is highly valued, it's not always essential. We also consider candidates from luxury hotels, private aviation, yachting, embassies, and other high-end service environments. What matters most is your attitude, professionalism, discretion, and transferable skills. We can provide training and guidance to help transition into private household work.
Salaries vary significantly based on role, experience, location, and specific family requirements. Our salary guide provides detailed ranges for different positions. Live-in positions typically include accommodation and meals in addition to salary. London positions generally command higher salaries than other UK locations, while international positions (Dubai, Monaco) often offer tax-free salaries and comprehensive benefits.
Our household staffing process typically involves an initial telephone screening with our consultants, a face-to-face meeting at our office or a discreet location, reference checks and background verification, and then interviews with the family (usually 2-3 rounds). We prepare you thoroughly for each stage and provide feedback throughout. The entire process usually takes 2-4 weeks.
Yes, many of our clients offer visa sponsorship for the right candidates. We guide you through the entire visa application process, connect you with immigration specialists, and ensure all documentation is in order. Each country has different requirements, and we're experienced in navigating these processes.
We don't disappear after placement. We provide ongoing support during your transition, regular check-ins during the first few months, assistance if any issues arise, career development advice, and we're always available to discuss concerns. Many of our candidates work with us throughout their careers as they move between positions.
While we don't provide training directly, we can recommend excellent training providers for roles like butler training, advanced cooking courses, child protection certification, and other professional development. We also share industry insights and best practices through our blog and communications with registered candidates.
We never share your information without explicit permission, maintain secure databases with restricted access, will not contact your current employer without your consent, and allow you to control which opportunities you're considered for. Your privacy and current employment security are paramount to us.
General Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
We serve London and the Home Counties extensively, with particular expertise in Mayfair, Belgravia, Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, and other prime central London areas. We also place staff internationally in Dubai, Monaco, Marbella, Geneva, New York, Los Angeles, and other luxury destinations worldwide. Wherever our clients need exceptional staff, we can help.
We specialize in all private household positions including butlers, housekeepers, private chefs, nannies and mannies, chauffeurs, estate managers, personal assistants, house managers, ladys maids and valets, domestic couples, maternity nurses, and governesses. We handle both permanent and temporary placements for all roles.
Irving Scott was founded in 2013 by Paloma Irving. With 13+ years of experience and over 500 successful placements, we've built a reputation as one of London's most trusted private staffing agencies. Our longevity in this industry speaks to our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.
Yes, we maintain memberships and accreditations with relevant industry bodies and comply with all UK employment law and GDPR requirements. We also participate in industry events and maintain relationships with other reputable agencies worldwide for international placements.
While client confidentiality prevents us from sharing specific names without permission, we have numerous testimonials from satisfied clients on our website. We can also arrange for you to speak with selected references who have agreed to share their experiences. Our high client retention rate is testament to our service quality.
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