About this role
Job summary
A role where every detail makes a difference
At Childrens Hospice South West (CHSW), your work matters in ways you may never have experienced before.
Our hospices are warm, welcoming places full of care, compassion and life. Behind every room, every space, and every experience is a team of people who make this possible.
Were looking for a Housekeeping Supervisor who shares our belief that the little things - care, attention, pride can make the biggest difference.
98% of our staff feel proud to work here and you will too.
Why join CHSW?
This is more than a job, it's a place where you will:
Feel proud of what you do every day. Your work directly supports children, babies and families, helping create moments of comfort, dignity and joy.
Belong to a truly compassionate team. Work alongside people who care deeply - for families and for each other.
Have purpose beyond the day-to-day.Every task you complete contributes to something meaningful and lasting.
Work somewhere special. Charlton Farm offers a unique, homely environment in beautiful surroundings, designed to feel warm, welcoming and far from clinical.
Main duties of the job
About the role
As Housekeeping Supervisor, you'll be at the heart of keeping the hospice running smoothly. You'll:
Coordinate and support a small, dedicated team of staff and volunteers to deliver exceptional standards.Plan and oversee high-quality cleaning schedules across the hospiceManage rotas, performance, and day-to-day operationsEnsure outstanding standards of cleanliness, safety and infection controlOversee stock, equipment and housekeeping systemsCollaborate closely with care, catering and facilities teams to create a seamless experience for familiesFrom preparing children's bedrooms to ensuring communal spaces feel calm and cared for, your work helps create a true home-from-home atmosphere.About you
You are someone who leads with both professionalism and compassion. You'll bring:
Experience in housekeeping or cleaning roles, including supervising a teamA strong eye for detail and a commitment to high standardsKnowledge of health & safety and cleaning best practiceConfidence in leading, motivating and developing othersExcellent communication and people skillsA flexible, positive approach to a varied and active roleAbove all, you'll reflect our values - kind, dedicated, collaborative and committed to making a difference.
About us
What we offer:
We value our staff and offer an excellent working environment with an enthusiastic and committed team, where every role makes a difference.
You will also benefit from the following:
33 days holiday + bank holidays (rising with service)Enhanced sick pay (up to 6 months full pay)7% employer pension contributionEnhanced maternity/adoption payWellbeing support, counselling and employee assistance programmeOngoing training and development opportunitiesLife assurance schemeA supportive, inclusive and values-driven cultureThe chance to do work that truly matters
Job description Job responsibilities
Post title: Housekeeping Supervisor
Responsible to: Operations Lead
Responsible for: Assistant Housekeepers and Volunteers
Salary: Points 14 - 16
Hours of Work: 32 - 37 hours per week, flexibly over 4/5 days
Location: Charlton Farm, Charlton Drive, Wraxall, BS48 1PE
1. Overall Purpose of the Role
1.1 Support your team to deliver and be responsible for the housekeeping tasks at your designated hospice.
1.2 To contribute to the smooth and effective running of the hospice, and to the general well-being of the families and staff by ensuring the hospice is kept clean and welcoming at all times.
1.3 To co-ordinate and supervise the housekeeping staff and housekeeping volunteers at the hospice.
2. Main Tasks
2.1 To organise and supervise an ongoing cleaning programme for the hospice site to ensure that all parts of the hospice are maintained to a high standard. To include: the design and delivery of effective cleaning schedules, the cleaning of carpets and upholstered furniture; disposal of waste; curtain cleaning; fire proofing of materials as necessary.
2.2 To provide line management to all housekeeping staff, ensuring these staff are equipped for and supported in the duties expected of them and are positively motivated. To coordinate the day-to-day operational activity of the Housekeeping Team, including the preparation of the rota, monitoring of cleaning schedules, monitoring and recording of leave and absence, (eg. annual leave and sick leave) and planning and organising the day-to-day cleaning of the house.
2.3 To provide housekeeping staff with constructive feedback regarding their performance through regular 1:1s and to undertake their annual performance reviews, supporting them in their learning and development needs.
2.4 To provide support and regular meetings, in line with the Care Team Induction Policy, to new members of the Housekeeping Team and to liaise with the Operations Lead and Team Leader for Education regarding the ongoing training and development needs of Housekeeping staff.
2.5 To co-ordinate the contribution of housekeeping volunteers, offering support and guidance to the volunteers in their role. To ensure that housekeeping volunteers are made welcome at the hospice and their help is acknowledged and valued.
2.6 In conjunction with the Operations Lead and Care Admin teams at each hospice, establish and maintain a stock monitoring and ordering system for housekeeping.
2.7 To oversee the monitoring and organising of cleaning cupboards in own hospice, to include: ordering and stocking up new supplies; tidying; and ensuring the equipment is used appropriately and in line with CHSW H&S guidance. To take particular care in ensuring that cleaning products are kept securely stored away from children and cleaning cupboards are kept locked.
2.8 Support the Operations Lead with the annual review, (or more frequent if required) of the cleaning products in use throughout CHSW.
2.9 Support the Operations Lead with identifying new products and equipment which might support more efficient and effective working.
2.10 To support the Operations Leads at each hospice in monitoring and reviewing housekeeping expenditure at each hospice and in planning the required housekeeping budget each year, overseen by the Head of Care.
2.11 To update and train staff in the cleaning equipment and products used at the hospice, and to participate in the induction and orientation of new care team staff.
2.12 To liaise with the Care Team in carrying out the cleaning of the house, including preparation and cleaning of childrens and family bedrooms.
2.13 To assist the Care Team with the laundry, to include laundering of bed linen and clothes, ironing, stocking up of linen cupboards.
2.14 To be responsible for the overall management of houseplants, flower arrangements and cleaning fish tanks.
2.15 Liaise with the Senior Cook regarding the cleaning of the kitchen and pantry area.
2.16 To liaise with admin and fundraising staff regarding the cleaning of the Administration areas, working collaboratively, (for example in the timing of cleaning to suit the office needs).
2.17 Report any building / equipment defects to the Maintenance Team and liaise closely with the Maintenance Manager to coordinate large scale, disruptive housekeeping tasks with maintenance tasks at times of low hospice occupancy.
2.18 To guarantee confidentiality about the workings of the hospice and the families using it, at all times.
2.19 To be aware of your health and safety responsibilities, as an employee of Childrens Hospice South West, and adhere to these at all times.
2.20 To maintain an up to date and current Health and Safety training. To regularly update and maintain your knowledge of CHSW safety rules; COSHH regulations; fire drills; internal security and accident procedures and adhere to these at all times.
2.21 Support the H&S Advisor with scheduled H&S Audits and follow up any relevant recommendations with support from the Operations Lead.
2.22 To present a friendly and courteous response to families and staff and demonstrate exceptionally high standards of customer care.
3. General Responsibilities
3.1 CHSW expects of its employees the highest standards of behaviour in carrying out their duties and responsibilities, which are in accordance with legislative requirements. CHSW employees are expected to act fairly and with consideration and uphold CHSWs values and behaviours at all times.
3.2 To be responsible for ensuring compliance with CHSW policies, procedures and contractual requirements.
3.3 To comply with CHSWs Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
3.4 To safeguard children and vulnerable adults. All staff must be familiar with, and adhere to, the CHSW children and vulnerable adults procedures and guidelines. To be familiar with your role and responsibility around safeguarding children and to ensure that you have completed training at a level commensurate with your role.
3.5 To be aware of the responsibilities placed on you under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and any subsequent relevant legislation and follow these in full at all times ensuring that they act in line with all agreed procedures at all times in order to maintain a safe environment and identification of potential risks for all employees, children, families and visitors, taking action as and when required.
3.6 To regularly update and maintain your knowledge of safety rules; fire drills; internal security; and accident procedures and adhere to these at all times. To be aware of the safety needs of children, siblings, parents and other staff and adopt a preventative safety approach at all times. Report all accidents and incidents accurately and promptly to the appropriate responsible person.
3.7 To maintain confidentiality of information about clients, children, families, staff, and other CHSW business and at all times, meet the requirements of the Data Protection Act (1998), as well as comply with all CHSW Information Governance and Data Protection policies.
3.8 Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in an annual appraisal and appropriate training activities, encourage and support staff development and training. To attend mandatory training.
3.9 To work within infection control guidelines to ensure that work methods do not constitute a risk of infection to other work colleagues, children, families, or to any persons working/visiting in CHSW premises.
3.10 Take responsibility for your own emotional well-being; taking steps to maintain a balance between work and home life; and to be aware of the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.
3.11 To be aware of the need to use the resources of CHSW wisely and effectively to meet the needs of children, their families and supporters, whilst maintaining a cost-conscious approach to avoid a wasteful use of funds and with consideration for the environment.
3.12 This position is very active and will regularly require standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling and climbing stairs. You will also be required to frequently lift and/or move items in accordance with appropriate workplace H&S advice.
4. Working Arrangements
4.1 Working hours and schedule to be discussed and agreed on appointment. There is a requirement to work across a 7 days week and alongside the other Housekeeping Staff to ensure effective management. 30 minutes to be taken for lunch between 12.00 2pm or at a time convenient to CHSW. To include weekends and bank holidays.
You may be asked to work additional hours as necessary which will include unsocial hours outside the above times for which TOIL will normally be given, rather than payment.
5. NOTE:
5.1 The job description is subject to the Terms and Conditions of service of CHSW, and the post-holder will undertake any other duties which may be required from time to time.
5.2 The above outlines the duties required for the time being to indicate the level of responsibility. It is not a comprehensive or exclusive list. Duties, which do not change the general character of the job or level of responsibility entailed, may be varied from time to time.
5.3 This job description will be reviewed, in line with the developing organisation and service specification, but any amendments made will follow consultation with the post-holder.
Person Specification
Skills Essential
Strong organisational skills to oversee cleaning schedules and tasks effectively. Flexibility to be able to respond to changing housekeeping routines to meet the needs of the service Ability to supervise and manage a team of housekeeping staff in a constructive and supportive manner. Works well as part of a team whilst comfortable working on own Clear and effective communication skills (written and verbal) to liaise with staff, families and other stakeholders. Ability to provide clear instructions and feedback Understanding the importance of confidentiality and maintaining strict privacy standards for our children and families. Strong attention to detail (in particular to cleanliness and infection control) to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. Good IT skills particularly Microsoft office packages, email, and internet Commitment to deliver and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity in the day-today work of the role
Knowledge and Understanding Essential
Understanding of the philosophy of children's hospices. Good understanding of relevant Health & Safety regulations and practices.
Personal Qualities and Attitude Essential
Kind, caring and compassionate approach. Dedicated approach and pride to delivering high standards. Interest in and commitment to the aim and objectives of CHSW E. A collaborative and cooperative attitude. Ability to undertake the physical and emotional demands of the role. Able and willing to work Bank Holidays/Weekends as required.
Qualifications Desirable
NVQ level 3 supervisory in Cleaning and Support Services (or equivalent) Health and Safety Certificate eg IOSH, COSHH, Moving and Handling
Experience Essential
Experience of housekeeping or related role, working to high standards of housekeeping Proven experience of supervising/leading and training a team Good understanding of relevant Health & Safety regulations and practices in relation to housekeeping/cleaning operations Experience of interacting with customers/patients and providing excellent customer service.
Desirable
Experience of working in a care / hospitality setting Experience of managing/supervising volunteers Understanding of the philosophy of children's hospices and insight into the needs of children and families receiving hospice care.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Children’s Hospice South West
Address Charlton Farm
Charlton Drive
Wraxall
North Somerset
BS48 1PE
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.chsw.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)