Job Description

Henshaws is a northern charity supporting people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities to go beyond expectations. We believe that, wherever they are, everyone has the right to an independent and fulfilling life. Our support, advice and training enables people and their families build skills, develop confidence, help each other and look forward to a more positive future.

Position:

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At Henshaws, we support people living with sight loss and other disabilities to lead confident, independent lives. Our environments play a crucial part in that, and we are looking for a skilled and committed

Head Housekeeper

to lead the delivery of exceptional standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and safety across two of our most important sites: the College and the Arts & Crafts Centre.


This role is central to ensuring that our spaces meet the highest standards and regulations, enabling every learner, visitor, and colleague to feel safe, respected, and valued. You will lead a high-performing team and take ownership of a service that makes a daily difference to people's lives.



Salary: 13.02 per hour / 25,727.52 per annum Hours per week: 38 Weeks per year: 52 Annual leave: 5 weeks plus 10 days bank holiday Contract: Permanent Location: Harrogate and Knaresborough Closing Date: Monday 28th July 2025 at 12 Noon

Requirements:

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What You'll Be Doing

Lead and supervise the housekeeping team across both sites, with full responsibility for rotas, recruitment, training, and performance management Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness to meet statutory and regulatory requirements (CQC, Ofsted, National Cleaning Standards) Manage a departmental budget of approx. 400,000, including stock control, procurement, and supplier relationships Plan and lead audits, inspections, and continuous improvements across all spaces Deliver induction, mandatory training and role-specific development for your team Collaborate with internal teams to respond to operational needs, room moves, maintenance, and planned events Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations (including COSHH), and maintain accurate records

About You

We're looking for someone with:

Proven experience managing a housekeeping or cleaning team in a fast-paced, customer-focused setting Strong knowledge of hygiene regulations and health & safety procedures A keen eye for detail and commitment to delivering consistently high standards Excellent people management and communication skills Experience managing budgets, stock, and suppliers (desirable) Confidence working to external standards such as CQC or Ofsted (desirable) A flexible, hands-on approach and enthusiasm for supporting vulnerable individuals

What We Offer

A stable, weekday-based work pattern ideal for work-life balance The opportunity to lead in a values-driven organisation with social purpose at its heart Supportive and inclusive working environment Access to training, CPD and leadership development 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays Enhanced DBS check paid for by us Free parking on site Opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of our students and community members

Other information:

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Henshaws Society for Blind People aims to employ a diverse workforce and is committed to equality of employment and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

Henshaws is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. It is a criminal offence for people barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group e.g. vulnerable adults, children or both. An Enhanced DBS with barring and reference checks will be sought from the successful candidate.

Henshaws reserves the right to check social media accounts of all successful applicants.

Registered Charity No: 221888