Job Profile
To lead and manage the Housekeeping Team to ensure the nursing home maintains the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and infection prevention, in line with regulatory requirements. The role supports a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for residents, visitors, and staff, while raising housekeeping and environmental standards across the home.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Management
- Safeguarding
Operational Duties
- Infection Prevention & Control
- Health & Safety
- Stock & Budget Management
- Customer Service & Resident Focus
- Collaboration with Marketing and Admissions
Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
- Provide strong, visible leadership to the housekeeping team, setting clear expectations and role-modelling high professional standards at all times.
- Plan, organise, and oversee daily operations of the housekeeping department, ensuring effective delegation of tasks based on skill, experience, and resident needs.
- Spend one day on duty working alongside the team to coach staff and drive departmental standards.
- Develop and maintain a positive team culture built on respect, accountability, and teamwork.
- Conduct regular team meetings to communicate updates, standards, audit findings, policy changes, and infection control guidance.
- Ensure all new starters receive a thorough departmental induction covering cleaning protocols, equipment use, infection control, and safeguarding expectations.
- Identify training needs and arrange ongoing development opportunities in line with CQC standards and the home’s quality framework.
- Carry out 1:1 supervisions and annual appraisals, setting measurable objectives and monitoring performance.
- Address performance, conduct, or capability concerns promptly through coaching or formal procedures.
- Manage staff rotas effectively, ensuring safe staffing levels at all times.
- Work collaboratively with the Home Manager, Clinical Team, and Maintenance Department.
- Act as the central point of contact for environmental and housekeeping elements of the Resident of the Day programme.
- Oversee room turnaround standards and new admissions, ensuring rooms meet the highest standards.
- Ensure all rooms are maintained to a “showcase” standard, ready for tours and inspections.
- Ensure décor, furnishings, and accessories are well maintained and aligned with company standards.
- Lead seasonal and cultural presentation within the home.
- Support branding and reputation through high visual standards.
- Champion dignity and person-centred care.
- Encourage staff ownership, hazard reporting, and service improvement suggestions.
- Lead quality assurance activities, including audits, inspections, and improvement plans.
Operational Duties
- Ensure all areas of the home are cleaned to a consistently high standard.
- Promote and maintain high housekeeping standards across the home.
- Oversee safe and efficient laundering of residents’ clothing, linen, and bedding.
- Conduct regular environmental inspections and ensure prompt corrective actions.
- Ensure cleaning equipment is safe, functional, and used correctly.
Infection Prevention & Control
- Ensure adherence to infection control policies and procedures.
- Work with clinical staff during outbreaks and enhanced cleaning requirements.
- Ensure correct use of PPE and reinforce hygiene standards.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of CQC and Public Health England guidance.
- Lead preparation for Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) inspections and audits.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date IPC documentation (cleaning schedules, COSHH records, checklists, and logs).
Health & Safety
- Ensure full compliance with COSHH regulations, including safe handling, storage, and labelling of chemicals.
- Ensure housekeeping activities comply with all relevant legislation.
- Conduct and review risk assessments regularly.
- Report hazards promptly and ensure they are resolved and documented.
- Promote a safety-first culture aligned with CQC expectations.
- Stock & Budget Management
- Monitor stock levels and order supplies within budget.
- Maintain accurate stock and purchasing records.
- Customer Service & Resident Focus
- Build positive relationships with residents and relatives.
- Gather feedback on housekeeping quality and environmental comfort.
- Respond to concerns promptly and effectively.
- Promote dignity, privacy, and a homely environment.
Candidate Requirements
Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience
Essential:
- Experience in housekeeping leadership
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Knowledge of infection control
- Understanding of health & safety and COSHH
- Ability to manage a team
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- GCSE Maths and English
Desirable:
- Experience in a care home setting
- Training in health and safety
- Skills and Competencies
Essential:
- Attention to detail
- Leadership
- Reliability
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Compassion
- Ability to prioritise workload
- Personal Attributes
Essential:
- Friendly, warm, and professional manner
- Ability to stay calm under pressure
- Detail-focused
- Team player
- Proactive