Hiring a nanny, housekeeper or domestic staff member to work in your home is a significant decision.
Understanding how candidates are vetted helps you make a confident and informed choice.
The real question is:
How do I know this person has been properly checked and is right for the role and my household?
A CV does not answer that.
A reference does not answer that.
A DBS check does not answer that.
It is about how everything comes together.
In the UK, a properly vetted nanny, housekeeper or domestic staff candidate should have identity and background checks, right to work verification, DBS screening, verified references and role-specific checks, all considered together as part of a structured process.
The checks are only part of the picture.
What matters just as much is how the candidate works in practice, how they respond to the role, and how they fit within the household.
What Checks Are Carried Out During the Vetting Process?
Before a CV is sent to a family, the vetting process has already started.
This usually includes:
- identity, address and right to work checks
- DBS checks
- a review of employment history
- an initial interview and assessment
- reference checks
These checks are started early and followed through as part of a structured process.
You can read more about our nanny and household staff placement service here.
Applying the Right Checks for the Role
Checks are not one-size-fits-all. They depend on the role and the responsibilities involved across nanny, housekeeper and wider domestic staff positions.
- If a position involves childcare, first aid may be required.
- If driving is part of the job, a driving licence check is carried out and business use insurance must be in place.
These are the practical details that prevent problems later.
How Candidates Are Assessed
Candidates are not looked at in isolation. They are considered in relation to the role itself.
That means looking beyond the CV and understanding how they actually work, day to day.
Two candidates can have very similar experience and still be suited to completely different homes.
Matching the Candidate to the Household
This is where things become more personal.
Two roles can look identical on paper. Same hours, same responsibilities, even the same mix of housekeeping, cooking and childcare.
But what works well inside each home can be very different.
One family may want someone who is naturally proactive and comfortable in a busy, changing environment.
Another may prefer someone more structured, quieter and consistent.
Both are right. They just need different people.
How Nanny & Housekeeper References Are Checked
Referencing starts early in the process.
We obtain at least two verified references from previous employers wherever possible.
These confirm key details such as dates, responsibilities and how the candidate worked in the role.
If a candidate is still employed, the current employer reference is usually completed once a position has been accepted.
References are put together in a clear, consistent way so they can be properly reviewed and compared.
This helps remove the variation you often get with informal or differently written references.
How the Process Comes Together
By the time a candidate is introduced, the process is already well underway.
The vetting process continues throughout the hiring process, not just at the beginning.
At HomeOrganisers Limited, this is structured so families can move forward with confidence, without feeling rushed.
-The next step is to meet the candidate
This is usually done through an initial interview, often by video, followed by a face-to-face meeting.
If that goes well, there is often a trial or simply more time together.
Some families prefer a more formal trial. Others prefer something more relaxed, such as spending time together and talking through routines.
Either way, the aim is the same:
-To see how the candidate works in the home
No hiring decision should be made on paperwork alone.
It is about taking the time to feel comfortable before making a decision.
A Real-World Example
It is quite common to meet two candidates who both look strong on paper.
Similar experience, good references and the appropriate checks underway.
But once they meet a family, the difference becomes clear quite quickly.
One might naturally take initiative, keep things moving and slot easily into a busy household.
Another might prefer a more structured way of working, with clear routines and expectations.
Both are good candidates. Only one will feel right in that particular home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
No single check gives a complete picture.
It is the combination of experience, checks, references and how someone actually works that allows you to make a confident decision.
Considering hiring?
If you are unsure what checks are needed for your role, we would be very happy to talk this through and guide you on the right approach.
You can begin the process here:
https://www.homeorganisers.co.uk/family-registration-form/