Early Housekeeper

House of Lords; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave (rising to 35)

Parliamentary health and wellbeing

Job summary

House of Lords is seeking an Early Housekeeper to support the cleaning and presentation of iconic spaces across the Parliamentary Estate in Westminster. You will work under the Team Leader and contribute to the high standards of cleanliness, tidiness and hygiene expected throughout the building.

The role offers a morning shift, Monday to Friday, with duties including routine and ceremonial support, health and safety compliance in a heritage environment, and collaboration with colleagues across

Qualifications

• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Able to work well within a team.
• Understanding health and safety in heritage environments, including COSHH and manual handling.

Responsibilities

• Attend daily team briefing at 6:30am to receive priorities.
• Provide cover in designated areas to maintain high standards.
• Carry out cleaning and sanitising tasks, including enhanced cleaning.
• Perform routine and periodic cleaning and janitorial duties.
• Support during State and ceremonial events as required.
• Assist with other cleaning and administrative tasks for Department operations.
• Participate in meetings and mandatory development training.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Health and safety awareness

Job description

House of Lords - Property & Office Services

BELONG HERE. TOGETHER, WE MAKE PARLIAMENT HAPPEN.

As an Early Housekeeper

, you’ll play an important role in supporting the UK's parliamentary democracy. Your work will help Members carry out their responsibilities effectively - contributing to something bigger than any one role.

You’ll be part of a collaborative community, working alongside colleagues from a wide range of professions. Together, we make Parliament happen.

You’ll be based on the Parliamentary Estate in Westminster - a unique working environment shaped by history and powered by the people who work here today.

As part of our housekeeping team, you’ll help create a clean, welcoming, and well-presented environment across the House of Lords. Working in some of the most iconic spaces within the Estate, including the House of Lords Chamber, State Rooms, offices, corridors, and communal areas, you’ll play an important role in maintaining the high standards of cleanliness, tidiness, and hygiene expected throughout the building.

Our cleaning practices are carefully carried out using methods that respect and preserve the historic nature, heritage collections, and unique fabric of the Palace.

Working closely with the Team Leader and Head Housekeeper, you’ll be responsible for cleaning designated areas and supporting colleagues across the wider Estate when needed. This variety offers the opportunity to work in different locations and contribute to the smooth running of the House.

The working pattern for this role is Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 10:00am.

What you'll be doing

• Attend the daily team briefing at 6:30am, led by the Team Leaders, to receive updates and priorities for the day.
• Support colleagues by providing cover in designated areas when team members are absent, helping to ensure consistently high standards across the Estate.
• Carry out a range of cleaning and sanitising activities, including enhanced cleaning tasks, to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
• Undertake both routine and periodic cleaning duties, along with general janitorial responsibilities.
• Support the team during State and ceremonial events, where additional housekeeping assistance may be required.
• Assist with other cleaning and administrative tasks as needed to support the day-to-day operations of the Department of Facilities.
• Participate in departmental meetings and taking part in role-related, mandatory, and development training opportunities to support your ongoing learning and professional growth.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who can bring their skills and experience to make a meaningful contribution here.

You’ll have:

• Good standard of communication with ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Able to use initiative and work flexibly to complete tasks effectively.
• Ability to work well within a team.
• Ability to consistently complete work to a high standard and possess a professional attitude, with focus on delivering high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Working knowledge of health and safety regulations and practices which can be applied to a heritage environment, including manual handling, working at height, fire safety, COSHH and practical hands-on cleaning experience.

It would be even better if you have (or are willing to learn):

• Working knowledge of Microsoft outlook (sending and receiving emails).
• Existing/previous COSHH, Manual Handling Training, Health and Safety and customer service training.
• Some knowledge of cleaning practices in a heritage building.

For full details, please see the job description.

What you’ll get in return

Working at the House of Lords means joining a community that values your wellbeing, growth and contribution.

You’ll benefit from:

• 30 days annual leave (rising to 35 after one year).
• A comprehensive Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme.
• Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities across diverse professions.
• The chance to witness democracy in action and work in a place of historic national significance.

The work we do is vital to the House of Lords - the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It plays a critical role in making laws, scrutinising government, and providing independent expertise on national issues.