Residential Housekeeper - With live-in, overnight on-call fire safety responsibilities

26 hours per week, flexible days, permanent

We are looking for a well-organised and flexible person to join our team. The Residential Housekeeper role is vital to the effective and smooth running of the organisation and our residential retreat venues. You will be responsible for maintaining a clean, comfortable, peaceful and welcoming environment for guests, facilitators and staff by undertaking the day-to-day operations of Sharpham House and The Coach House, under the guidance of the House Manager.

You will liaise closely with the House Manager and Assistant House Managers as well as answering queries from our retreat leaders and the staff of external groups who hire the facilities. You will work closely with our other House Assistants, to include being aware of Health & Safety, cleaning all areas, making up bedrooms, bathrooms, helping in both the Sharpham House and Coach House kitchens (to include preparing vegetables and washing up) and ensuring the smooth turnover of both venues on changeover days.

Alongside housekeeping duties, you will be required to live and stay onsite overnight and be the designated person responsible for responding to the fire alarm in accordance with the Trust’s established fire safety and emergency procedures.

About you

This is a role for someone who is well organised with excellent communication skills and the ability to work on their own initiative, as part of a small team. You will have previous experience in a housekeeping and residential role and able to manage multiple priorities and always achieve high standards. You will be a reliable, conscientious and calm individual who understands the importance of maintaining a safe residential environment while respecting the reflective atmosphere of a retreat. Flexibility and a sense of humour will be vital.

Sharpham is a values led organisation and an interest in the Trust’s charitable work and mindfulness would be an advantage. Employees are able to access the Trust’s programme of courses and retreats.

Job description and how to apply

Download and read through the job description (here as PDF, here as Word.doc)

To apply, download our application form (here as PDF, here as Word.doc) and return to [email protected]

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. Providing this information is entirely voluntary and kept strictly confidential for monitoring purposes. Please download and return the ethnic background form (here as PDF, here as Word.doc) at your discretion. 
 

Closing Date: Friday 4 December 2026

Interviews: Wednesday 16 December 2026