For discerning households in London and beyond, hiring household staff goes beyond skills and experience—it’s about finding someone who truly aligns with your family’s values. Whether you’re welcoming a nanny into your home or a butler to manage your estate, trust and cultural fit are paramount. At Marshall Harber, we understand the importance of this alignment, and we’re here to share how you can vet for trust to ensure a harmonious household.

Understanding Your Family’s Core Values
Before beginning the vetting process, take time to define what matters most to your household. Are discretion and privacy non-negotiable? Do you prioritise a warm, nurturing approach for your children? Or perhaps sustainability and eco-conscious practices are central to your lifestyle? Identifying these values—whether they centre on professionalism, empathy, or tradition—creates a clear benchmark for assessing candidates. For example, a family in Kensington might value multilingual skills for their children’s education, while a rural estate may prioritise staff who appreciate a slower, community-driven pace.

Vetting Techniques to Assess Alignment
Once your values are clear, the vetting process should go beyond standard checks to evaluate cultural fit. Start with scenario-based interviews: ask candidates how they’d handle situations that reflect your priorities, such as managing a confidential family event or adapting to your household’s eco-friendly routines. Next, dive deeper into references—don’t just verify employment history, but ask past employers about the candidate’s demeanour, adaptability, and alignment with their household’s ethos. At Marshall Harber, our consultants interview every candidate, ensuring we understand their personality and values to match them with the right family.

Actionable Tips for Ensuring a Value-Driven Match

• Involve the Family: If possible, include key family members in the interview process to gauge personal chemistry. A brief meeting can reveal whether a nanny’s warmth resonates with your children.
• Trial Periods: Consider a short trial to observe how the candidate integrates into your household. This hands-on approach can highlight whether their values align with yours in practice.
• Communicate Expectations Early: Be upfront about your values during the hiring process. For instance, if punctuality is critical, ensure the candidate understands and shares this priority.
• Rely on Specialists: A household staff agency in London, like Marshall Harber, brings expertise in identifying value-driven matches, saving you time while ensuring a seamless fit.

Building a Trusted Household Team
Vetting for trust is an investment in your household’s harmony. By prioritising alignment with your family’s values, you create a foundation for long-term relationships with staff who feel like an extension of your home. With the right vetting approach—or the support of a specialist agency—you can confidently welcome staff who share your vision and enhance your daily life.

For London’s discerning homeowners, hiring household staff isn’t just about filling a role—it’s about finding a trusted professional who seamlessly fits into the fabric of their home. Whether it’s a housekeeper for a busy family in Holland Park or a domestic couple for a rural estate, the stakes are high. So why are more private households turning to specialist recruitment agencies rather than handling hiring themselves? The answer lies in three key benefits: rigorous vetting, unparalleled discretion, and significant time savings.

Thorough Vetting for Peace of Mind
Hiring household staff requires more than a quick scan of a CV. A specialist household staff agency in London brings expertise in vetting candidates to ensure they meet the highest standards. At a reputable agency, every candidate is personally interviewed, their references meticulously verified, and their qualifications—like Enhanced DBS checks for nannies—thoroughly reviewed. This level of scrutiny minimizes risks and ensures that only the most reliable professionals are placed in private homes. DIY hiring, while tempting, often lacks the depth and resources to uncover potential red flags, leaving families vulnerable.

Discretion That Protects Privacy
For discerning households, privacy is non-negotiable. A specialist agency understands this implicitly, offering a confidential service that protects both the client’s and candidate’s sensitive information. From initial consultations to final placement, the process is handled with the utmost discretion—something that’s difficult to achieve when managing a DIY hiring process, where public job postings or informal networks can expose personal details. Agencies also have the experience to navigate complex requirements, such as sourcing staff for high-profile residences or even private yachts, all while maintaining confidentiality.

Time Savings for Busy Lives
Managing a private home in the UK often comes with a demanding schedule. Sifting through applications, conducting interviews, and verifying credentials can take weeks, if not months. A specialist recruitment agency streamlines this process, leveraging an extensive database of pre-vetted candidates to quickly match the right staff to your needs. For example, agencies can swiftly source a live-in housekeeper for a Surrey estate or a chauffeur with experience driving luxury vehicles in London, saving clients countless hours. Many agencies also offer guarantees, such as a replacement period if the placement isn’t a perfect fit, providing added assurance without additional effort.

Why Choose a Specialist Agency?
The value of a private home staffing UK agency lies in its ability to deliver not just a hire, but a long-term solution. Discerning homeowners in London and beyond recognise that the investment in a specialist agency pays off in the form of trusted, high-caliber staff who enhance their household’s daily life. By prioritising vetting, discretion, and efficiency, these agencies take the guesswork out of hiring—leaving you free to focus on what matters most. Contact Marshall Harber to discover how we could help you navigate this delicate process.

For London’s discerning homeowners, household staff are more than employees—they’re trusted insiders. A housekeeper might overhear a business deal in Belgravia; a chauffeur might drive a VIP through Knightsbridge. With such access, vetting isn’t just a step—it’s the foundation of trust. At Marshall Harber, we’ve spent decades perfecting our vetting process to protect private households across the UK and beyond. Here’s why it matters, what it involves, and how we ensure your peace of mind.

The Stakes: Privacy and Safety First
In a high-net-worth home, the risks are high. A single lapse—a nanny sharing gossip, a butler with an unverified background—can disrupt your life. Vetting mitigates this by ensuring staff are reliable, discreet, and safe. It’s not just about skills; it’s about character. Imagine a housekeeper who, without proper checks, shares details of your home on social media. For families who value privacy above all, that’s a risk you can’t afford.

What Thorough Vetting Looks Like
A robust vetting process covers multiple layers:
• DBS Checks: A Disclosure and Barring Service check flags any criminal history, ensuring staff are safe to work in your home—especially around children or valuables.
• Reference Calls: We don’t just read references; we call past employers to verify performance, reliability, and discretion. Did they handle sensitive situations well? Were they punctual?
• Identity and Right-to-Work: We confirm legal work status and identity, crucial in a city like London with strict regulations.
• Behavioural Interviews: We ask pointed questions—“How do you handle overhearing private conversations?”—to gauge instincts on privacy and professionalism.

The Difference It Makes
Thorough vetting ensures peace of mind. Consider a chauffeur role: without proper checks, you might hire someone with a history of reckless driving, putting your family at risk. Or picture a nanny who hasn’t been vetted for discretion—she might unintentionally share details about your children’s routines. Our process catches these red flags early, ensuring every candidate we place—whether a butler, housekeeper, or estate manager—is someone you can trust implicitly. We prioritise discretion at every step, so your household’s privacy remains sacred.

Why Choose an Agency?
DIY vetting can be daunting—time-consuming and risky if you miss a step. Agencies like Marshall Harber take the burden off your shoulders. We pre-screen every candidate, from housekeepers to estate managers, ensuring they meet our exacting standards before they reach your door. Our network spans London to international estates, giving us access to the best—vetted for your trust.

The Bottom Line
Vetting isn’t a formality; it’s a safeguard. It protects your privacy, your family, and your home’s harmony. For discerning London households, that’s non-negotiable.
Ready for staff you can trust? Marshall Harber delivers London’s finest, vetted with care. Contact us today.

The modern butler is a master of quiet precision, blending tradition with today’s demands in London’s discerning households. Far from the stiff stereotypes of yesteryear, today’s butlers are versatile professionals—part manager, part confidant. At Marshall Harber, we’ve placed butlers in residences from Mayfair to Monaco, each adapting to their household’s rhythm. Step into a busy event day for one such butler in a Kensington townhouse, to see why they’re indispensable.

6:30 AM: The Day Begins
The butler rises early, slipping into a crisp uniform—white shirt, black waistcoat, polished shoes. First task: a sweep of the home. He adjusts curtains to let in soft morning light, checks the dining room for breakfast prep, and syncs with the housekeeper via a shared app to confirm the day’s cleaning schedule. A quick glance at the weather app ensures he’s ready—rain means umbrellas at the door.

8:00 AM: Breakfast and Briefings
As the family gathers, the butler oversees breakfast—porridge with honey, fresh berries, and coffee, laid out with precision. He’s briefed the chef on preferences (no dairy for the eldest child) and ensures the table is flawless. While they eat, he reviews the day’s schedule: a school run, a client lunch for the parents, and an evening cocktail event. He texts the chauffeur to confirm timings, then arranges dry cleaning pickup for a suit needed tonight.

11:00 AM: Managing the Unexpected
A last-minute request arrives—the client lunch needs a venue change. The butler calls a trusted Mayfair restaurant, securing a private room, then updates the chauffeur. Meanwhile, he oversees a florist delivery for the evening event, arranging lilies in a crystal vase himself. Discretion is key: when a courier drops off a confidential package, he ensures it’s stored securely, no questions asked.

1:00 PM: A Brief Respite
With the family out, the butler takes a well-earned break—lunch in the staff quarters, perhaps a quick cup of tea while reviewing the evening plan. He meets with a contractor fixing a leak in the guest wing, ensuring work stays on schedule, then checks the wine cellar, ordering a case of the family’s favourite Chablis to replenish stock.

6:00 PM: Evening Elegance
The cocktail event looms. The butler transforms the drawing room—candles lit, playlist queued, glasses sparkling. He briefs the temporary staff on guest names and preferences, ensuring seamless service. As the family returns, he helps the host with a tie adjustment, then greets arrivals with a warm, understated smile. During the event, he’s a shadow—refilling drinks, clearing plates, all while laughter flows uninterrupted.

9:00 PM: Winding Down
Guests gone, the butler oversees cleanup, ensuring the home is pristine by 9:30 PM. He sets out the family’s evening tea—chamomile, as requested—then prepares for tomorrow: laying out school uniforms, confirming a car service for a 7:00 AM airport run. Before retiring, he sends a quick report to the family office, noting the evening’s success. On quieter days, he’d finish earlier, but events like tonight demand extra care.

Why It Matters
This butler doesn’t just serve—he orchestrates. His blend of tradition, tech-savvy, and discretion makes the household hum. For London’s discerning families, that’s the gold standard.
Need a butler to elevate your home? Marshall Harber connects you with London’s finest, vetted for excellence. Contact us today.

In the grand homes of Victorian London, household staff were the backbone of daily life—maids scrubbing hearths, butlers guarding silver. Fast forward to 2025, and the world of private staffing has transformed, reflecting the needs of today’s discerning households. At Marshall Harber, we’ve seen this evolution firsthand, placing top-tier talent in residences from Knightsbridge to international estates. Here’s how roles like housekeepers, butlers, and chauffeurs have adapted—and why they remain vital.

The Victorian Era: A Rigid Hierarchy
In the 19th century, staffing was a status symbol. Large households employed dozens—scullery maids, footmen, governesses—each with a narrow role. Housekeepers enforced strict order, answering to the lady of the house. Butlers managed wine cellars and male staff, their authority unquestioned. Chauffeurs didn’t exist; horse-drawn carriages ruled. Every task, from polishing boots to starching linens, fell to a specialised servant. For the wealthy, a full staff signalled power, but rigid roles left little room for flexibility.

The 20th Century: Streamlining and Specialisation
By the mid-20th century, social shifts—wars, economic changes, technology—slimmed households. Maids dwindled as appliances like vacuums emerged. Butlers took on broader duties, from answering phones to greeting guests. The rise of cars birthed the chauffeur, blending driving skill with decorum. Staff became fewer but more skilled, valued for efficiency over sheer numbers. Discretion grew critical as families sought privacy in a media-hungry age.

Today: Versatility Meets Luxury
Modern household staff are chameleons, tailored to the fast-paced lives of London’s discerning homeowners. Roles have evolved dramatically:
* Housekeepers: Once focused on cleaning, they now manage smart homes, coordinate deliveries, or even oversee eco-friendly practices—like sourcing sustainable linens.
* Butlers: No longer just tray-bearers, they’re event planners, tech-savvy aides, or informal estate managers, juggling schedules with finesse.
* Chauffeurs: Beyond driving, they’re logistics experts, navigating London’s congestion or arranging private jets, always with an ear for discretion.
* Estate Managers: A new breed, they oversee entire properties—staff, budgets, security—freeing owners to focus elsewhere.
Technology has reshaped demands—staff sync with apps for grocery orders or home alarms—yet human touch remains key. A nanny’s warmth or a butler’s intuition can’t be coded.

Why It Matters Now
Today’s households prize versatility and trust. A housekeeper might double as a personal shopper; a chauffeur might know your favourite routes by heart. This evolution reflects a shift toward intimate, efficient teams that blend tradition with innovation. For discerning clients, staff aren’t just workers—they’re partners in a lifestyle.
At Marshall Harber, we understand this balance. Our candidates are vetted for modern skills and timeless discretion, whether managing a Belgravia penthouse or a rural manor. We bridge past and present, ensuring every placement fits your unique needs.
Curious about staffing your home for today’s world? Contact Marshall Harber to discover London’s finest household professionals.

We are sincerely grateful to Jo at Marshall Harber for assisting us in securing a new couple position that aligns perfectly with our skills and aspirations.

Easter in London calls for celebration—whether it’s a quiet family brunch in Mayfair or a countryside gathering beyond the M25. The right menu can turn a good holiday into a great one, and with the right staff, it’s effortless. At Marshall Harber, we place exceptional household talent in discerning London homes, ready to bring your Easter vision to life. Here are three recipes your housekeeper, butler, or chef can master, blending tradition with a touch of luxury.

1. Spring Herb-Crusted Lamb Rack
* Why It Fits: A tender, flavourful centrepiece for Easter Sunday, perfect for impressing guests.
* Ingredients: Rack of lamb (8 ribs), rosemary, thyme, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper.
* Method: Rub lamb with minced herbs, garlic, and oil. Roast at 200°C for 25-30 minutes (medium). Rest, slice, serve with mint sauce.
* Staff Tip: Your butler can time it to arrive hot as guests sit, showcasing precision.

2. Lemon & Elderflower Hot Cross Bun Pudding
* Why It Fits: A twist on the classic bun, ideal for brunch or dessert—light yet indulgent.
* Ingredients: 6 hot cross buns, 300ml cream, 2 eggs, elderflower cordial, lemon zest, sugar.
* Method: Slice buns, layer in a dish. Whisk cream, eggs, 2 tbsp cordial, zest, and 50g sugar. Pour over, bake at 180°C for 30 minutes until golden.
* Staff Tip: A housekeeper can prep this ahead, leaving you free to mingle.

3. Asparagus & Poached Egg Tartlets
* Why It Fits: A fresh, elegant starter or light bite, celebrating spring produce.
* Ingredients: Puff pastry, asparagus spears, eggs, crème fraîche, parmesan.
* Method: Cut pastry into squares, bake at 200°C for 10 minutes. Top with crème fraîche, steamed asparagus, and a poached egg. Sprinkle parmesan.
* Staff Tip: Your chef can plate these with flair, delighting guests.

Why Staff Make the Difference
These dishes shine brightest with skilled hands behind them. A vetted housekeeper from Marshall Harber can whip up the pudding while your chauffeur runs last-minute errands. A butler ensures the lamb hits the table piping hot. A chef crafts tartlets that steal the show. Easter hosting becomes a breeze when your team knows its craft—and discretion keeps the focus on the meal, not the prep.
Try these recipes this April, and see why London’s finest homes trust us. Need staff to bring your Easter to life? Contact Marshall Harber for tailored talent.

I have worked with Joe Harber for over 20 years now and she’s helped me STAFF multiple residences for the same client and I am extremely happy with all of their services. She doesn’t oversell. She selects very carefully as she knows the requirements of the principles and is also very easy to work with. I have really enjoyed working with her. She’s my go to person for staffing for private households.

With Easter approaching, London’s discerning homeowners are gearing up for a season of gatherings—brunches in Chelsea, family retreats to the Cotswolds, or intimate dinners in Notting Hill. A flawless celebration hinges on one thing: exceptional household staff. At Marshall Harber, we’ve equipped countless private residences with the talent to make every occasion seamless. Here’s how to staff your home for Easter success, ensuring your holiday shines without a hitch.

Plan Your Staffing Needs Early
Easter often means extra guests, whether it’s relatives staying over or friends dropping by. Start now to assess your needs:
* Housekeepers: Extra hands keep guest rooms pristine, linens fresh, and spills managed during egg hunts or afternoon teas.
* Chauffeurs: With London traffic or rural road trips, a skilled driver ensures timely arrivals—be it to church or a countryside estate.
* Butlers or Assistants: For larger events, a butler can oversee service, from pouring Champagne to coordinating caterers.
Booking early avoids the last-minute rush. Demand spikes in spring, so secure your team by mid-April.

Match Staff to Your Easter Style
Every household celebrates differently. Tailor your staff to your plans:
* Casual Brunch: A proactive housekeeper can set up, tidy up, and keep the kitchen humming while you enjoy hot cross buns with guests.
* Formal Dinner: A butler brings polish—serving roast lamb with precision and managing the flow of a multi-course meal.
* Weekend Getaway: A chauffeur with local knowledge doubles as a discreet guide, navigating from Kensington to Kent without fuss.
Discuss your vision with your agency to ensure the right fit. At Marshall Harber, we match staff to your exact needs, down to the smallest detail.

Lean on Vetted Professionals
Easter is no time for guesswork. Discretion and skill are non-negotiable when guests fill your home:
* Vetting: Insist on DBS-checked staff with glowing references. Our candidates come pre-screened, trusted by London’s finest homes.
* Experience: Look for staff seasoned in high-pressure settings—think busy households or luxury events. They’ll handle chaos calmly.
* Trial Option: For new hires, a pre-Easter trial (say, a day this week) confirms they mesh with your rhythm.
A vetted team lets you focus on hosting, not micromanaging.

Why It Pays Off
A well-staffed Easter means no stress—just enjoyment. Your housekeeper clears the table while you chat with guests. Your chauffeur whisks family to the station while you sip tea. It’s the quiet luxury discerning Londoners expect. And with spring ushering in more events, a reliable team now sets the tone for the season.
Ready to make Easter effortless? Marshall Harber connects you with London’s top household staff, tailored for your holiday and beyond. Contact us today.

In London’s grandest homes—from Belgravia townhouses to Hampstead estates—household staff are more than skilled workers; they’re guardians of privacy. For distinguished households, discretion isn’t just a preference—it’s the cornerstone of trust. At Marshall Harber, we’ve spent decades placing exceptional staff with private households across the UK and abroad. What sets the best apart? It’s the art of discretion. Here’s why it matters, how it shines, and how we ensure it in every candidate.

Why Discretion Defines Excellence
Wealthy households thrive on seamless routines and unspoken boundaries. A housekeeper overhearing a business call, a chauffeur driving a high-profile guest, or a nanny managing a child’s tantrum—all demand discretion beyond the job description. Discretion means knowing what not to say, share, or even notice. It’s the difference between a good employee and one who becomes indispensable. For clients, it’s peace of mind that their private world stays private, whether they’re hosting a gala or unwinding after a long day.

Discretion in Action
Every role showcases this skill uniquely:
* Housekeepers: They glide through rooms, polishing silver or folding linens, without a whisper about who visited or what was left behind. A discreet housekeeper doesn’t just clean—they protect your space.
* Chauffeurs: Behind the wheel, they tune out backseat conversations—be it a deal being struck or a family spat—focusing only on the road and your comfort.
* Butlers: Managing staff or serving guests, they anticipate needs without prying, ensuring the household hums without a trace of intrusion.
* Nannies: Caring for children, they shield sensitive moments—like a parent’s absence or a child’s struggles—from the outside world.
The finest staff don’t need to be instructed on discretion; it’s instinct, honed by experience and character.

How We Spot—and Secure—Discretion
At Marshall Harber, discretion isn’t an afterthought—it’s a filter. Our process ensures it:
* Interviews: We ask, “How do you handle overhearing private matters?” Top candidates emphasise confidentiality naturally, often citing past examples (anonymised, of course).
* Vetting: Beyond DBS checks and references, we dig into reputation. Have they worked in elite homes before? Did employers trust them implicitly? We verify wherever possible with direct calls.
* Training Insight: Many of our candidates come with years in luxury settings—hotels, yachts, or estates—where discretion is non-negotiable. We prioritise this pedigree.
We previously placed a butler with a Kensington family who praised his “invisible presence”—he managed their home flawlessly, never hinting at the VIPs who passed through. That’s the standard we chase.

Why It’s Non-Negotiable
In a connected age, one slip—a tweeted anecdote, a casual remark—can unravel trust. London’s distinguished households can’t afford that risk. Discreet staff aren’t just employees; they’re partners in preserving a lifestyle. They enable hosts to entertain, families to relax, and business to proceed without a second thought.
Looking for staff who master the art of discretion? Marshall Harber connects you with London’s most trusted professionals, vetted for skill and silence alike. Contact us to find your perfect match.