Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC623367
Salary Range: £24,796 - £25,128 pro-rata, per annum
Work Location: Minstead Study Centre, Lyndhurst
Hours per week: 16
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 22 February 2026
The Role:
Minstead Study Centre is a welcoming Hampshire County Council education centre tucked away in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Open since the 1960s, it has given generations of children and young people the chance to explore nature and enjoy memorable outdoor learning experiences.
The Centre can accommodate around 40 people and, during term time, we host primary school groups from Hampshire and beyond for a typical three‑day, two‑night stay. While they are with us, pupils take part in a mix of outdoor activities led by our teaching team, enjoy freshly cooked meals in our kitchen and dining room, and sleep in our two comfortable accommodation blocks. We are lucky to have seven acres of meadows, woodland and streams, giving plenty of space for children to explore and learn.
Outside of term time—during school holidays and weekends—we are developing more options for different types of groups to use the Centre. These often include self‑catered or self‑led stays, and we are continuing to broaden what we offer.
We have a small but dedicated team of ten staff, all working together to make sure every visitor has a positive, enjoyable experience.
Each year, Minstead welcomes over 70 school groups for day visits and residential stays. Our aim is to offer memorable, high quality learning experiences that champion sustainability and a deeper understanding of the environment. We also host around 50 additional groups annually, who use our beautiful setting for workshops or self catered stays.
Working pattern : Term time
Monday: 8am – 12 midday
Tuesday: 2 hours (flexible)
Wednesday: 8am – 12 midday
Thursday: 2 hours (flexible)
Friday: 10:30am – 2:30pm
Working pattern : Outside Term time
The 3 additional weeks of work (48 hours in total) may be worked at various times across school holiday times as per the needs of the Centre
What you’ll do:
You will ensure the Study Centre is clean, well presented and welcoming by working to a regular cleaning schedule, maintaining bedrooms, managing laundry and monitoring stock levels of cleaning materials.
The role includes routine health and safety tasks such as flushing water points and descaling fittings, as well as overseeing the condition of soft furnishings, linen and internal areas, working with managers to support both reactive and planned maintenance.
You will attend staff meetings and training as required, follow all safeguarding, equality and health and safety policies, and support the wider Hampshire Outdoor Centres team. The role may occasionally involve responding calmly and sensitively to challenging situations.
What we’re looking for:
We are looking for a pro-active and self-motivated housekeeper to join our team to provide essential domestic services support at the heart of our business.
As one of two Centre housekeepers, you’ll play an important part in making sure every guest has a great experience. You’ll look after our cleaning and laundry needs and help keep the Centre running smoothly, contributing to our wider team goals along the way.
Why join us?
We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace and have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of and where you are empowered to be your best and believe in creating a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.
If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!
To find out more about what we can offer you in return, please see our Benefits Package
Additional Information:
Housekeeper Candidate Pack
Vetting Requirements:
This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Zebe Harris, Senior Business Support Officer on 02380 813437 or zebe.harris@hants.gov.uk
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.