# Irving Scott — London's Premier Private Household Staffing Agency

> Irving Scott is the leading specialist agency for private household staff in London and internationally. Founded in 2013 by Paloma Irving (trained at The Savoy Group, raised in a privately staffed household). 500+ placements across 40+ countries. 96% client retention. Rated 4.6/5 on Trustpilot. Featured in The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, and the Financial Times. Contact: hello@irvingscott.com · +44 7801 448 604 · 73 Princedale Road, London W11 4NS.

Irving Scott exists for one reason: to match exceptional private household staff with the families who need them. Unlike generalist recruiters, this is all we do — butlers, chefs, housekeepers, nannies, estate managers, chauffeurs, domestic couples, and every other role that keeps a private household running properly. Our founder grew up in a staffed household, trained at The Savoy Group, and built a company that understands both sides of the relationship. We don't just check CVs. We get to know people — their temperament, their standards, how they handle pressure — because that's what actually determines whether a placement lasts.

## What we do

Irving Scott provides 33 categories of private household staff for families, estates, and UHNW individuals worldwide. We handle the full recruitment process: requirements analysis, candidate sourcing from our proprietary network, rigorous vetting (DBS checks, 5-year reference verification, qualification validation, right-to-work documentation), shortlisting, interview coordination, contract guidance, and post-placement support. We guarantee all permanent placements with a 3-6 month replacement period at no additional cost.

**For employers:** Placement fees typically range 15-25% of first-year salary. Temporary staff available on daily/weekly rates. No upfront charges — we only invoice on successful placement.

**For candidates:** Our service is completely free. We never charge job seekers. Register at https://irvingscott.com/register

## Why Irving Scott

- **Exclusive specialism** — Private household staffing is all we do. Not corporate recruitment, not temp agencies, not hospitality. This focus gives us deeper networks and better matches.
- **Psychology over CVs** — Our founder's background means we assess personality, temperament, and cultural fit as seriously as qualifications. The Sunday Times described us as "as good at psychology as staff."
- **Proven track record** — 500+ successful placements, 96% client retention rate, 4.6/5 on Trustpilot with 29 verified reviews.
- **Global reach, personal service** — We've placed staff in 40+ countries while remaining a boutique agency where clients work directly with senior consultants.
- **Replacement guarantee** — Every permanent placement is guaranteed. If it doesn't work out within the agreed period, we find a replacement at no additional cost.

## Press

> "As good at psychology as staff, Paloma will ensure that the people she sources match her clients' personalities and needs exactly — and offers a three-month guarantee if they don't. She can find everything from ladies' maids to nannies." — The Sunday Times

> "It's particularly housekeepers, the starting point of all big homes — they're gold dust." — The Telegraph

> "The pay can outstrip that of the commercial world. And there is job satisfaction to be gained. People who do these jobs are proud of what they do." — Financial Times

## Client reviews

> "They have been amazing since we started to be their clients. They really make sure we get the best people coming to us for our events. Our parties would not have been so successful without their help." — Alexandra Torday, Google Review

> "We instructed two agencies, Irving Scott was one of them, and within 6 weeks we had taken on a wonderful butler who was perfect for the role. Despite the period of time that had passed, Paloma was incredibly helpful. Since then, we only choose Irving Scott. They stand out from the other agencies. They save us time and are great communicators." — Beatrice Sheldrick, Google Review

> "Fantastic, wonderful and professional as well as personal, the perfect agency as a client. Very trustworthy, honest and reliable 24/7... Super!" — VIP Family Client, Trustpilot

## Services

- [Private Butler](https://irvingscott.com/services/butler-for-hire): We place experienced butlers who know how to run a household properly — from staff management to formal service and everything in between.
- [Private Chef](https://irvingscott.com/services/private-chef-for-hire): We find private chefs who cook food your family actually wants to eat — every day, not just when you're entertaining. (£40,000 - £75,000 per annum)
- [Lady's Maid Services](https://irvingscott.com/services/ladys-maids): Personal service at the highest level — wardrobe care, styling, and private assistance from experienced lady's maids. (£35,000 - £65,000 per annum)
- [Professional Housekeepers](https://irvingscott.com/services/hire-housekeepers): Experienced housekeepers for private housekeeping that keeps your home running properly — not just clean, but genuinely well managed.
- [Private Chauffeur](https://irvingscott.com/services/chauffeur-for-hire): Professional chauffeurs who do more than drive — they keep your schedule moving, your family safe, and your journeys stress-free. (£35,000 - £65,000 per annum)
- [Household Manager](https://irvingscott.com/services/household-managers): Household managers who keep everything running behind the scenes — staff, budgets, schedules, and the hundred things that need doing every day. (£45,000 - £90,000 per annum)
- [Houseman](https://irvingscott.com/services/houseman-for-hire): Reliable housemen who handle the physical side of household work — cleaning, maintenance, errands, and general support. (£25,000 - £45,000 per annum)
- [Laundress](https://irvingscott.com/services/hire-a-laundress): Specialist laundresses who know how to care for fine fabrics, designer clothes, and delicate household linens. (£22,000 - £40,000 per annum)
- [Domestic Couples](https://irvingscott.com/services/domestic-couples): Experienced couples who work together to run your household — combining complementary skills so everything gets covered. (£55,000 - £120,000 per annum (combined))
- [Nanny and Manny Services](https://irvingscott.com/services/nanny-and-manny-for-hire): Qualified nannies and mannies who genuinely enjoy working with children — not just watching them, but helping them grow. (£25,000 - £55,000 per annum)
- [Estate Manager Services](https://irvingscott.com/services/estate-manager-services): Estate managers who keep large properties and multiple homes running smoothly — budgets, staff, maintenance, the lot. (£55,000 - £120,000 per annum)
- [Private PA](https://irvingscott.com/services/hire-a-executive-assistant): Private PAs who manage your personal life with the same efficiency a corporate EA brings to a boardroom. (£35,000 - £70,000 per annum)
- [Family Office Staff](https://irvingscott.com/services/family-office-staff): Trusted staff for family offices — from administrators and accountants to office managers and personal assistants. (£45,000 - £100,000 per annum)
- [Private Nutritionist](https://irvingscott.com/services/private-nutritionist): Qualified nutritionists who work with your family at home — personalised plans, meal guidance, and real results. (£35,000 - £65,000 per annum)
- [Private Personal Trainers](https://irvingscott.com/services/private-personal-trainers): Personal trainers who come to you — experienced, professional, and focused on results that last. (£30,000 - £60,000 per annum)
- [Private Tutors](https://irvingscott.com/services/private-tutors): Experienced tutors for all ages — from primary school support to university entrance and beyond. (£25,000 - £55,000 per annum)
- [Wardrobe Managers](https://irvingscott.com/services/wardrobe-managers): Wardrobe managers who organise, maintain, and curate your clothing — so getting dressed is never a problem. (£30,000 - £55,000 per annum)
- [Yacht and Jet Crew](https://irvingscott.com/services/yacht-jet-crew): Crew for yachts and private jets — from captains and stewardesses to engineers and chefs, fully vetted and ready to work. (£30,000 - £70,000 per annum)
- [Yacht Stewardess](https://irvingscott.com/services/yacht-stewardess): Professional yacht stewardesses who deliver five-star service on the water — experienced, certified, and guest-focused. (£25,000 - £55,000 per annum)
- [Maternity Nurses](https://irvingscott.com/services/maternity-nurses): Qualified maternity nurses who support new parents through the first weeks — night feeds, routines, and practical guidance. (£150 - £300 per day)
- [Professional Gardeners](https://irvingscott.com/services/gardeners): Gardeners who know plants, not just lawnmowers — experienced professionals for private gardens and estates. (£20,000 - £40,000 per annum)
- [Live-in Housekeeper](https://irvingscott.com/services/live-in-housekeeper): Live-in housekeepers who become part of the household — reliable, experienced, and always on hand. (£25,000 - £50,000 per annum)
- [Live-out Housekeeper](https://irvingscott.com/services/live-out-housekeeper): Live-out housekeepers who come in, get the job done, and keep your home in excellent shape. (£12 - £20 per hour)
- [Nanny Housekeeper](https://irvingscott.com/services/nanny-housekeeper): Nanny housekeepers who handle both childcare and household duties — a practical solution for busy families. (£28,000 - £45,000 per annum)
- [Nanny Services London](https://irvingscott.com/services/nanny-services-london): London nanny recruitment — finding the right person to look after your children in one of the world's busiest cities. (£25,000 - £55,000 per annum)
- [Housekeeper in London](https://irvingscott.com/services/housekeeper-in-london): London housekeepers who understand the city — from Mayfair mansions to Hampstead family homes. (£25,000 - £50,000 per annum)
- [Private Chef London](https://irvingscott.com/services/private-chef-london): Private chefs based in London — from daily family cooking to regular entertaining and everything in between.
- [Find Private Household Staff](https://irvingscott.com/services/find-private-household-staff): Looking for household staff? We'll help you find the right people — properly vetted, experienced, and matched to your home. (Varies by role and experience)
- [Yacht & Superyacht Staffing](https://irvingscott.com/services/yacht-superyacht-staffing): Full crew recruitment for yachts and superyachts — from captains to stewardesses, galley chefs to engineers. (£30,000 - £80,000 per annum)
- [Private Aviation Crew](https://irvingscott.com/services/private-aviation-crew): Flight crew and cabin staff for private jets — qualified, experienced, and ready for the demands of private aviation. (£35,000 - £75,000 per annum)
- [Ski Chalet Staffing](https://irvingscott.com/services/ski-chalet-staffing): Seasonal staff for ski chalets — chefs, hosts, housekeepers, and nannies who make winter holidays run smoothly. (£25,000 - £55,000 per season/annum)
- [Family Office Staffing](https://irvingscott.com/services/family-office-staffing): Recruitment for family offices — finding people who combine professional skill with personal discretion. (£40,000 - £100,000 per annum)
- [International Staffing](https://irvingscott.com/services/international-staffing): Household staff for international positions — from the South of France and Switzerland to the Middle East and beyond. (£30,000 - £120,000 per annum + benefits)

## Salary guide

London salary ranges for private household staff (2025-2026):
- Butler: £45,000-£80,000/year (senior: £80,000-£125,000+)
- Private Chef: £40,000-£75,000/year (Michelin-experienced: £80,000-£140,000+)
- Housekeeper: £28,000-£48,000/year (head housekeeper: £56,000-£90,000+)
- Nanny: £28,000-£55,000/year (specialist: £55,000-£75,000+)
- Chauffeur: £30,000-£55,000/year (security trained: £56,000+)
- House Manager: £45,000-£75,000/year (senior: £75,000-£100,000+)
- Estate Manager: £55,000-£100,000/year (senior: £100,000-£200,000+)
- Domestic Couple: £55,000-£90,000 combined/year (senior: £90,000-£150,000+)
- Lady's Maid: £40,000-£76,000+/year
- Maternity Nurse: £250-£500+/day (net)
- [Full salary guide with international rates](https://irvingscott.com/salary-guide)

International positions (Dubai, Monaco, Switzerland, Singapore) typically offer tax-free or tax-advantaged salaries 20-40% above London equivalents, plus accommodation.

## Current vacancies (7 positions)

- [Female Private Butler - London](https://irvingscott.com/jobs/female-private-butler-london): London, UK · £50,000 – £55,000 · Live-out
- [Russian-speaking Private PA - London](https://irvingscott.com/jobs/russian-speaking-private-pa-london): London, UK · Salary TBC · Live-out
- [Live-in Norland Nanny - London](https://irvingscott.com/jobs/live-in-norland-nanny-london): London, UK · £65,000 – £80,000 · Live-in
- [Traveling Housekeeper - UK and France](https://irvingscott.com/jobs/traveling-housekeeper-uk-and-france): France · Salary TBC · Live-out
- [Live-in Couple - France](https://irvingscott.com/jobs/live-in-couple-france): France · Salary TBC · Live-out
- [Private PA, Lifestyle Manager - Dubai](https://irvingscott.com/jobs/private-pa-lifestyle-manager-dubai): Dubai, UAE · Salary TBC · Live-out
- [Live-in Housekeeper or Couple - Spain](https://irvingscott.com/jobs/live-in-housekeeper-or-couple-spain): Spain · Salary TBC · Live-out

- [Browse all vacancies](https://irvingscott.com/jobs)
- [Set up job alerts](https://irvingscott.com/jobs)
- [Register as a candidate](https://irvingscott.com/register)

## Areas we serve (25 locations)

- [London](https://irvingscott.com/areas/london): United Kingdom — Mayfair, Belgravia, Kensington, Chelsea — London is where most of our placements happen. The city has more private households than anywhere else, and ...
- [Holland Park](https://irvingscott.com/areas/holland-park): United Kingdom — Our home. Irving Scott is based at 73 Princedale Road, W11 — right in the heart of Holland Park. We know this neighbourhood and its household staffing...
- [Dubai](https://irvingscott.com/areas/dubai): UAE — Tax-free salaries, year-round sun, and a huge international community. Dubai has become one of our busiest markets — families relocate there and need ...
- [Ibiza](https://irvingscott.com/areas/ibiza): Spain — Seasonal villa work from May to October. Ibiza attracts families who want the same standard of private staff and service they enjoy at home, just with...
- [Monaco](https://irvingscott.com/areas/monaco): Monaco — Two square kilometres, more billionaires per capita than anywhere on earth. The households here are small but exacting — staff need to be discreet and...
- [Miami](https://irvingscott.com/areas/miami): USA — South Beach, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne — Miami is booming for private staffing. Bilingual candidates do particularly well here, given the Latin Ameri...
- [Marbella](https://irvingscott.com/areas/marbella): Spain — Holiday villas, year-round residences, and a large British and Northern European expat community. Household staffing in Marbella keeps us busy all yea...
- [South of France](https://irvingscott.com/areas/south-of-france): France — Cap Ferrat, Mougins, Aix-en-Provence — the South of France has some of the most beautiful private properties in Europe. French language skills are a g...
- [Abu Dhabi](https://irvingscott.com/areas/abu-dhabi): UAE — Less flashy than Dubai but just as demanding. Abu Dhabi's royal and diplomatic households set very high standards. Cultural sensitivity matters enormo...
- [Saudi Arabia](https://irvingscott.com/areas/saudi-arabia): Saudi Arabia — A rapidly changing country with a growing demand for international household staff. Salaries are generous and accommodation is usually provided. Exper...
- [Hong Kong](https://irvingscott.com/areas/hong-kong): Hong Kong SAR — Compact city, big expat community, very high standards. Hong Kong families often need private household staff who can manage apartments efficiently an...
- [Home Counties](https://irvingscott.com/areas/home-counties): United Kingdom — Surrey, Berkshire, Bucks, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire — the classic commuter belt. Big family homes, school runs, country living with London close by —...
- [Cotswolds](https://irvingscott.com/areas/cotswolds): United Kingdom — Beautiful stone houses, rolling countryside, and an increasing number of wealthy families making it their primary base. The Cotswolds household staffi...
- [Scotland](https://irvingscott.com/areas/scotland): United Kingdom — Highland estates needing ghillies and gamekeepers. Edinburgh townhouses needing formal household staff. The Scottish market is its own world — staff w...
- [New York](https://irvingscott.com/areas/new-york): United States — Upper East Side, Tribeca, the Hamptons in summer. New York households run at pace — staff need to keep up. The city attracts some of the most experien...
- [Switzerland](https://irvingscott.com/areas/switzerland): Switzerland — Geneva, Zurich, Gstaad, Verbier. Switzerland demands precision from its private household staff — and pays for it. Multilingual candidates do best her...
- [Singapore](https://irvingscott.com/areas/singapore): Singapore — Big expat community, compact city, high standards. Most households here employ multiple private staff. Getting the cultural mix right matters — Singap...
- [Caribbean](https://irvingscott.com/areas/caribbean): Caribbean — St Barts, Barbados, Mustique, BVI — peak season runs November to April but many properties need year-round household staff. Island life sounds glamoro...
- [Los Angeles](https://irvingscott.com/areas/los-angeles): United States — Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Malibu, the Palisades. LA households in the entertainment industry have unpredictable schedules and high privacy needs. Flexib...
- [Paris](https://irvingscott.com/areas/paris): France — The 7th, 8th, and 16th arrondissements. Parisian households have their own way of doing things — understanding French formal service is genuinely impo...
- [The Hamptons](https://irvingscott.com/areas/the-hamptons): United States — Memorial Day to Labor Day — that is when the Hamptons come alive. Households that run on skeleton staff all winter suddenly need full teams. We start ...
- [Cannes & Saint-Tropez](https://irvingscott.com/areas/cannes): France — Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Tropez. The summer season here is intense — villa parties, yacht charters, rotating guests. Household staff need stamina, hospi...
- [Qatar](https://irvingscott.com/areas/qatar): Qatar — Growing fast. Doha's private households are some of the most impressive in the Gulf, and the standards reflect that. Understanding Arab hospitality cu...
- [Tuscany & Italian Riviera](https://irvingscott.com/areas/tuscany): Italy — Florentine palazzi, Portofino harbour villas, Chianti estates. Italian households have a warmth to them, but the service standards are no less exactin...
- [Aspen & Colorado](https://irvingscott.com/areas/aspen): United States — Aspen, Vail, Telluride. Ski season drives most demand, though summer has picked up noticeably. These are big, remote properties — private staff need t...

## The hiring process

1. **Initial consultation** — Tell us about your household, lifestyle, and what you need. This conversation matters more than any form.
2. **Candidate search** — We search our database and networks, approaching candidates we believe are genuinely right. Quality over quantity.
3. **Rigorous vetting** — DBS checks, 5-year employment history verification, qualification validation, identity and right-to-work checks. For international candidates, we coordinate equivalent screening through trusted partners.
4. **Shortlist presentation** — Usually 2-3 weeks. For urgent requirements, we can present candidates within days.
5. **Interviews** — Typically 2-3 rounds. We prepare candidates and provide honest feedback to both sides.
6. **Placement & support** — Contract guidance, salary benchmarking, and ongoing support. We check in regularly and remain available throughout the guarantee period.

## Frequently asked questions

**Q: How much does it cost to use Irving Scott as an employer?**
A: Placement fees are typically 15-25% of the first year's salary, depending on the role. Temporary placements are charged at daily or weekly rates. No upfront costs — we only invoice when a placement is confirmed.

**Q: How long does recruitment take?**
A: Standard placements: 2-4 weeks for shortlisted candidates. Urgent requirements: within days. Complex roles (estate managers, UHNW households, international): 4-6 weeks. We move quickly without cutting corners.

**Q: Do you charge candidates?**
A: Never. Our service is completely free for job seekers. Fees are paid by employing families only.

**Q: What areas do you cover?**
A: London (especially Mayfair, Belgravia, Kensington, Chelsea, Holland Park), the Home Counties, and internationally: Dubai, Monaco, Marbella, Geneva, New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Caribbean, and more. We've placed staff in 40+ countries.

**Q: What background checks do you perform?**
A: DBS checks (or international equivalents), 5-year employment reference verification, qualification validation, identity verification, and right-to-work documentation. We don't cut corners on vetting.

**Q: Do you offer a guarantee?**
A: Yes. All permanent placements include a replacement guarantee (typically 3-6 months). If a placement doesn't work out within the agreed period, we find a replacement at no additional cost.

**Q: What types of staff do you place?**
A: All private household roles: butlers, private chefs, housekeepers, nannies, estate managers, house managers, chauffeurs, domestic couples, lady's maids, valets, PAs, maternity nurses, governesses, tutors, security, yacht crew, private aviation crew, ski chalet staff, family office staff, and more.

**Q: Can you help with employment contracts and legal matters?**
A: Yes. We provide guidance on employment contracts, salary benchmarking, tax obligations (PAYE, NI, pension), and can recommend trusted payroll providers and employment lawyers.

**Q: What makes Irving Scott different from other agencies?**
A: Three things: (1) We only do private household staffing — it's our entire focus. (2) Our founder grew up in a staffed household and trained at The Savoy Group — we understand both sides. (3) We match on personality and temperament, not just qualifications. The Sunday Times called us "as good at psychology as staff."

## Contact

- **Website**: https://irvingscott.com
- **Phone/WhatsApp**: +44 7801 448 604
- **Email**: hello@irvingscott.com
- **Address**: 73 Princedale Road, London W11 4NS, United Kingdom
- **Hours**: Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm GMT (available by appointment outside hours)

## Key pages

- [Homepage](https://irvingscott.com)
- [All services](https://irvingscott.com/services)
- [Current vacancies](https://irvingscott.com/jobs)
- [Salary guide](https://irvingscott.com/salary-guide)
- [About us](https://irvingscott.com/about)
- [Our vetting process](https://irvingscott.com/our-process)
- [Client testimonials](https://irvingscott.com/testimonials)
- [Case studies](https://irvingscott.com/case-studies)
- [Insights & guides](https://irvingscott.com/insights)
- [Staff finder quiz](https://irvingscott.com/staff-finder)
- [Employer's guide](https://irvingscott.com/employers-guide)
- [Estate staffing guide](https://irvingscott.com/estate-staffing-guide)
- [Tax calculator](https://irvingscott.com/domestic-staff-tax-calculator)
- [FAQ](https://irvingscott.com/faq)
- [Register as a candidate](https://irvingscott.com/register)
- [Contact](https://irvingscott.com/contact)

## Optional

- [Detailed LLM reference](https://irvingscott.com/llms-full.txt): Comprehensive reference document with full service descriptions, all testimonials, detailed area guides, and complete FAQ
- [Press coverage](https://irvingscott.com/press): Media features and industry recognition
- [CV writing tips](https://irvingscott.com/cv-writing-service): CV guidance for household staff candidates
- [Interview preparation](https://irvingscott.com/interview-tips): Interview tips for private household positions
- [Referral programme](https://irvingscott.com/referrals): Earn a referral bonus
- [Join our team](https://irvingscott.com/join-our-team): Work at Irving Scott as a consultant
- [Privacy policy](https://irvingscott.com/privacy)
- [Terms of service](https://irvingscott.com/terms)

Last updated: 2026-07-14